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Community pays tribute to Rhys Community pays tribute to Rhys
(10 minutes later)
Crowds of people have joined Rhys Jones's family at a community vigil to remember the murdered schoolboy's life. Crowds of people have joined the family of murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones at a community vigil to remember his life.
His parents and older brother Owen, 17, lit a candle in the pouring rain at the service in his memory at Liverpool's Croxteth Country Park. His parents and older brother Owen, 17, lit a candle in the pouring rain at the service at Liverpool's Croxteth Hall and Country Park.
An appeal for information was renewed to find the killer of the 11-year-old, who was shot dead in Croxteth Park. Community leaders renewed an appeal to find the killer of the 11-year-old, who was shot dead in a pub car park, and a young friend read a moving prayer.
The Bishop of Liverpool urged people who knew who was responsible to "do the right thing". The Bishop of Liverpool urged anyone with information to come forward.
Nine-year-old Louis Ainscough, who was a friend of Rhys, said a prayer for him. Nine-year-old Lewis Ainscough stood on a stage erected underneath an enlarged image of his lifelong friend to deliver his prayer.
'Good and happy things' We are sad this afternoon because someone we knew very well and liked very much has died Lewis Ainscough,Rhys's friend
"Heavenly Father, we are sad this afternoon because someone we knew very well and liked very much has died."Heavenly Father, we are sad this afternoon because someone we knew very well and liked very much has died.
Hundreds joined the family for the vigil in Croxteth
"We don't often think about people dying, especially when they are very young, so this has been a great shock to us."We don't often think about people dying, especially when they are very young, so this has been a great shock to us.
"We believe that Rhys has gone to be with you, but that means he is not with us any longer."We believe that Rhys has gone to be with you, but that means he is not with us any longer.
"Help us to remember the good and happy things about him and please comfort all who are unhappy. Amen.""Help us to remember the good and happy things about him and please comfort all who are unhappy. Amen."
Rhys died when he was shot in the neck while making his way home after playing football with his friends in the Croxteth Park area of the city. 'Do the right thing'
The gunman, who was seen wearing a hooded top, escaped on a BMX bicycle shortly after the shooting on 22 August. Many families attending the vigil were wearing the colours of Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs to show unity - Rhys was a devoted Everton fan.
Sunday's ceremony was attended by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, the Lord Mayor of the city, Paul Clark, and June Simm, a teacher at Fazakerley High School where Rhys was due to start this month. He died when he was shot in the neck while making his way home after playing football with his friends in the Croxteth Park area of the city.
The vigil is aimed at remembering "all victims of gun crime, especially children". I ask you, the person who fired the gun... how can you look at yourself in the mirror for the rest of your life knowing what you have done? Pc Robbie Pritchard
Rhys's parents did not speak at the service. The gunman, who was seen wearing a hooded top, escaped on a BMX bicycle shortly after the shooting in the car park of the Fir Tree pub on 22 August.
The BBC's Nick Ravenscroft, at the vigil, said many people had wanted to show Rhys's family that were keen to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with them, and to demand that those with evidence turn in those responsible. Sunday's ceremony was also attended by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, and June Simm, a teacher at Fazakerley High School, where Rhys was due to start this week.
Ms Simm called for "safe streets, safe playing areas and safe parks", and described an "almost overwhelming sense of grief and sadness" which the community had experienced.
Mr Jones urged anyone with information to "do the right thing".
Rhys's funeral will be held on Thursday
And Pc Robbie Pritchard, who works in the Croxteth area, also addressed the crowds standing in the rain during the 45-minute vigil.
He said: "I ask you, the person who fired the gun, and you, the people who know what happened that night - how can you look at yourself in the mirror for the rest of your life knowing what you have done?"
Rhys's parents Stephen 44, and Melanie, 41, did not speak at the vigil.
The lord mayor said the city was united in sorrow since the "senseless" killing, and said the community would not be satisfied until it was safe for their families to go out.
"To anyone who knows anything," he said, "they should come forward and tell the police as soon as possible."
The BBC's Nick Ravenscroft, at the vigil, said many people had wanted to show Rhys's family that were keen to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with them, and to demand that anyone with evidence turn in those responsible.
Witness appeal
Murder squad detectives have made a total of 16 arrests in connection with the inquiry, but all the suspects have been released.Murder squad detectives have made a total of 16 arrests in connection with the inquiry, but all the suspects have been released.
Eleven people have been bailed, and a further five released without charge.Eleven people have been bailed, and a further five released without charge.
These five are now being treated as witnesses.These five are now being treated as witnesses.
Football shirts
Acting Det Supt Dave Kelly, who is leading the murder investigation, said on Saturday he was keen to speak to a person who called Crimestoppers and reported seeing a man on a mobile phone.Acting Det Supt Dave Kelly, who is leading the murder investigation, said on Saturday he was keen to speak to a person who called Crimestoppers and reported seeing a man on a mobile phone.
Rhys's funeral will be held on Thursday and his family have asked those attending to wear their team's football shirts or bright colours in his memory. Rhys's funeral will be held on Thursday at Liverpool's Anglican cathedral and his family have asked those attending to wear their team's football shirts or bright colours in his memory.
Stephen and Melanie Jones have spoken of the overwhelming support they have had from the people of Liverpool and from further afield.
Mrs Jones said: "People done this city proud. The overwhelming support and strength of feeling is really moving for us.
"There are a lot of good people in Liverpool. It's just the minority who spoil it for the good people."
Her husband added that there would be "dark days" ahead.
"It's been difficult for us to take it all in and part of us is still waiting for Rhys to come home from the match. "