This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/6968363.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Teenager quizzed over Rhys murder | Teenager quizzed over Rhys murder |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Rhys Jones, Merseyside police have said. | A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Rhys Jones, Merseyside police have said. |
Rhys, 11, was shot by a teenager on a BMX bike near the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, Liverpool, as he walked home from playing football last Wednesday. | |
Det Chf Insp Dave Kelly, leading the investigation, has also appealed to one man who has already called police to contact them again. | |
The latest arrest brings to 11, the number of people quizzed by police. | |
Det Chf Insp Kelly said there were still people "who have not yet come forward". | |
"I know there are still people out there that will provide key information that will bring this killer to justice," he said at a press conference on Wednesday," he said. | |
Rhys police search wood | Rhys police search wood |
"We need to trace everybody who was in this area. You may hold vital information." | |
"There is one man who has rung in and provided key information and I thank him for making that call. He is very brave. | |
"I will personally speak to you and I will look after you by whatever methods we have available to us. | |
"I would like to say this to the killer. What you have done is wrong, we need to deal with you. | |
"It is only a matter of time before we get you. Please come forward for the family's sake." | |
Officers searched nearby Dam Wood on Tuesday after a tip-off from a member of the public. | |
Diver search | |
A total of 46 officers, supported by police sniffer dogs and specialist equipment, combed the wood between Croxteth and the Croxteth Park Estate. | |
Divers joined the search of the woodland which contains three large ponds. | |
Detectives had previously arrested and released 10 teenage suspects, four without charge and six on police bail. | |
They have also pledged that anonymity will be given to witnesses. | |
Special measures have been agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure those who give evidence in court will be allowed to use video links or sit behind a screen. | Special measures have been agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure those who give evidence in court will be allowed to use video links or sit behind a screen. |
Liverpool fans put aside football differences on Wednesday night | Liverpool fans put aside football differences on Wednesday night |
Some potential witnesses have been reluctant to reveal their identities or give signed statements. | |
Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside Police, described call to the Crimestoppers number as "fantastic" and pledged that all information would "be acted upon". | |
But she added: "We now need to make that information into witness statements. I know that can be a big step for people who are concerned for their identity. | |
"But special measures can be taken to protect them in the courts. | |
"We can protect them and we will help them bring Rhys's killer to justice." | "We can protect them and we will help them bring Rhys's killer to justice." |
Police will later mark a week since the murder by stopping motorists and members of the public outside the Fir Tree pub, in an appeal for further information. | |
'Z-cars' theme tune | |
Leaflets have been supplied by Tesco, where Rhys's parents are employed. | Leaflets have been supplied by Tesco, where Rhys's parents are employed. |
On Tuesday night Rhys's family was given a standing ovation by thousands of football fans at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC. | On Tuesday night Rhys's family was given a standing ovation by thousands of football fans at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC. |
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez walked along the touchline to hug Rhys's mother Melanie, 41, and shake hands with his father Stephen, 41, and brother Owen, 17. | Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez walked along the touchline to hug Rhys's mother Melanie, 41, and shake hands with his father Stephen, 41, and brother Owen, 17. |
The family were wearing the blue colours of local rivals Everton FC in a sea of red but football loyalties were set aside. | The family were wearing the blue colours of local rivals Everton FC in a sea of red but football loyalties were set aside. |
The Everton theme tune to the Z-Cars TV series was played as the players arrived on the pitch for the game against Toulouse. | |
Messages were also broadcast over the public address system ahead of the match appealing for witnesses to the shooting to come forward. | |
Footballer Steven Gerrard has also spoken out in support of the police investigation. | |
"The reception that Rhys's family got at Anfield last night was fantastic and showed that everyone in the city has been affected by this tragic event," he said. | |
"I would appeal to anyone, who has any information at all, to please contact the police and help find those who were responsible for this terrible crime." |