26/09/2007

Rhys' Mother To Make Fresh Appeal

The mother of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones is to make a fresh appeal for information about his killer on BBC One's Crimewatch show tonight.

Rhys, who would have turned 12 on Thursday, was shot dead by a hooded teenager on a BMX bike as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth in Liverpool on August 22.

Melanie Jones, 41, will appeal to the mother of the teenager to hand her son in on tonight's Crimewatch show. During her interview she said: "She must know it is him, or she must have some suspicion. 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."

The programme will also broadcast a reconstruction of Rhys' murder, which happened near the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth.

Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, who is in charge of the investigation into Rhys' murder, will also appear on the show to appeal for information.

On Wednesday, CCTV footage of Rhys' suspected killer was also released. The images of the hooded cyclist, taken near the pub car park where Rhys was shot, have been enhanced by experts.

DS Kelly said that the images were grainy, but clear enough to enable people to recognise the suspected killer. He said: "We are sure that if this is your son, grandson, brother, friend or neighbour, you will recognise them from this footage,

"The moving footage on tonight's show will be particularly revealing, as you will be able to see the cyclist's mannerisms and movement."

Police have appealed for a man who contacted them three days after the shooting to contact them again. They have also appealed for a woman who was seen driving a red car near scene just minutes after the shooting to get in touch with them.

More than a dozen people have been arrested in connection with Rhys' murder, but no-one has yet been charged.

Crimewatch will be broadcast on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday.

(KMcA)


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05 September 2007
Schoolfriends Pay Tribute To Murdered Rhys
Schoolfriends of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have paid tribute to him at a special assembly held at his old primary school on the first day of the new term. Pupils, parents and teachers gathered outside Broad Square Primary school in Norris Green in Liverpool on Wednesday morning to pay tribute to the eleven-year-old.
20 September 2007
Rhys' Parents In Fresh Appeal
The parents of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have made a fresh appeal for information in the week of what would have been his 12th birthday. Rhys was shot dead on August 22 by a teenage gunman on a bike as he walked home from playing football with friends in the car park of the Fir Tree car park in Croxteth, Liverpool.
27 September 2007
Police Receive New Leads In Rhys Murder Inquiry
Police investigating the murder of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have said that they received a good response from an appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch show on Wednesday night. More than 60 calls have been made to the programme following last night's appeal, including 12 calls, which named the same person as a suspect.
06 September 2007
Funeral Held For Rhys
The funeral of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones has taken place in Liverpool. The funeral procession for the 11-year-old travelled from his family's home in Croxteth, past Goodison Park - home of his favourite football, club, Everton - before arriving at the city's Anglican Cathedral at 2pm.
30 October 2007
BBC Appeal Delivers Fresh Witness in Rhys Jones Case
A potential new witness has come forward in the Rhys Jones murder case, following a fresh appeal on BBC One's 'Crimewatch' show on Monday night. The man said that he was in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth in Liverpool when the 11-year-old was shot on August 22.