16/04/2008

Further Arrest in Rhys Murder Investigation

Police investigating the murder of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have made another arrest.

A 20-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with Rhys' murder, Merseyside Police confirmed on Wednesday.

Earlier, it was confirmed that police have been granted more time to continue questioning eleven people arrested in connection with the case.

Twelve people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the 11-year-old's death.

A 22-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice, was released on bail later the same day.

Merseyside Police have now been given until 7pm tonight to continue questioning the remaining suspects.

Four males - aged 17, 24, 25 and 16 - have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 16-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, attempting to pervert the course of justice and possession of a firearm and ammunition.

A 49-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with murder.

Three women, aged 50, 54 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

All those arrested are understood to be from the Croxteth area.

Rhys was shot dead as he walked home across the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, following football practice, on August 22 last year.

More than 30 people have now been arrested in connection with the murder, but no one has been charged.

Among the theories being investigated by police is the possibility that Rhys was shot by mistake in an attack by rival gangs.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Bernard Hogan-Howe, paid tribute to Rhys' parents, Stephen and Melanie Jones, on Tuesday, saying that the couple had been "very supportive" and that police were grateful for their "ongoing confidence" in the investigation.

(KMcA/JM)

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