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New leads in Rhys murder inquiry New leads in Rhys murder inquiry
(about 3 hours later)
A TV reconstruction of the killing of Rhys Jones has prompted a good response, according to detectives. Police are making further inquiries after 12 people named the same suspect in the death of 11-year-old Rhys Jones.
A Crimewatch appeal about the fatal shooting of the 11-year-old boy in Liverpool led 12 callers to name the same person, said Merseyside Police. Merseyside Police took a total of 60 calls about the shooting after an appeal on Crimewatch on Wednesday.
Officers were told where they might find the gun used to kill Rhys in Croxteth on 22 August, as well as finding an important potential witness. Although a police spokeswoman said the leads were "really encouraging" she said officers would have to investigate further before an arrest could be made.
The developments come on the day Rhys would have reached his 12th birthday. The TV reconstruction of Rhys's murder in Croxteth on 22 August also led to a potential witness coming forward.
His parents made a new appeal on the BBC One programme on Wednesday night for Rhys's teenage killer to be caught, to help them move on. 'Further inquiries'
Information about where the gun used to kill Rhys might be found has also been given to officers.
"Twelve people who called in about Rhys's murder all gave the same name but we cannot just go out and arrest that person," said the police spokeswoman.
"It is really encouraging but we need to make further inquiries about why these people have all named the same person before we take any action."
We can't rest or even try to move on without this person being caught and brought to justice Melanie JonesWe can't rest or even try to move on without this person being caught and brought to justice Melanie Jones
Of the new potential witness, Det Supt Dave Kelly said they had found the driver of a red car which the alleged killer passed in front of near the time of the attack. A total of 40 people contacted police after the TV programme was aired, and another 20 telephoned the next morning to give information.
He said: "We have had 12 people ring in providing the same name. It's all pointing in the same direction. One of those who phoned in was the driver of a red car which the alleged killer passed in front of near the time of the attack.
"It's important people get in touch about why they have provided that name. Rhys's parents made the new appeal on the BBC One programme on what would have been the eve of their son's 12th birthday.
"We have also had some important information about where the weapon may have been stored." Television reconstruction
The reconstruction featured CCTV footage, enhanced by experts, showing a hooded suspect on a mountain bike.The reconstruction featured CCTV footage, enhanced by experts, showing a hooded suspect on a mountain bike.
A reconstruction of the shooting appeared on the programme
The cyclist in the footage is seen cycling around the Fir Tree pub, in the moments before and after Rhys was shot in the car park.The cyclist in the footage is seen cycling around the Fir Tree pub, in the moments before and after Rhys was shot in the car park.
A reconstruction of the shooting appeared on the programme
Appealing directly to the killer's mother, Rhys's mother Melanie said: "She must know it's him or she must have some suspicion that it's him.Appealing directly to the killer's mother, Rhys's mother Melanie said: "She must know it's him or she must have some suspicion that it's him.
"Even for his own safety she should hand him in. We can't rest or even try to move on without this person being caught and brought to justice. We need it.""Even for his own safety she should hand him in. We can't rest or even try to move on without this person being caught and brought to justice. We need it."
Police believe Rhys's killer is about 16 years old and about 5ft 8ins tall.Police believe Rhys's killer is about 16 years old and about 5ft 8ins tall.
Merseyside Police have maintained a heavy presence in the area near the Fir Tree pub since the shooting and have made a number of arrests, although no-one has been charged.Merseyside Police have maintained a heavy presence in the area near the Fir Tree pub since the shooting and have made a number of arrests, although no-one has been charged.
Detectives are urging a mystery caller who spoke to the police on 25 August, three days after Rhys was killed, to get back in touch.Detectives are urging a mystery caller who spoke to the police on 25 August, three days after Rhys was killed, to get back in touch.