Brother's moving tribute to murdered Rhys

Aug 26 2007 By David Higgerson

Rhys Jones - Everton applauds

RHYS JONES'S teenage brother has paid tribute to the murdered 11 year old, saying he was 'just and innocent boy in the wrong place at the wrong time.'

Owen Jones, 17, visited the scene of the shooting outside the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth this afternoon, to pay his own respects and see the dozens of floral tributes left by well-wishers.

Yesterday the teenager joined mum Melaine and dad Stephen on the pitch at Everton's Goodison Park, where a minute's appreciation was held for football-made Rhys, who was killed on Wednesday.

Writing on the Everton fans forum Blue Kipper, Owen said: "Along with myself and our dad he is a season ticket holder in the top balcony.

"Please do not think my brother was part of any gang, he was just an innocent boy in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"He loved Everton, Loved playing football and idolised players such Lescott, Yobo, Arteta, AJ to name a few of his favourites, Spent all his money on every everton kit possible just to show how proud he was to be an Evertonian, he was a cracking little player asw ell, with the first touch, control and power over the ball as well as being capable of delivering crosses and scoring goals with his favoured left foot.

"I hope you understand somewhat, the pain I and my family are feeling at the moment, and I hope to god that the thug that fired at Rhys is caught and gets his punishment for taking such a promising life away and that this murder highlights the problems in our society and that something WILL now be done, because I do not want anybody anywhere blue or red feeling what myself and my family currently are.

"R.I.P. My little brother you will never be forgotten. Thank you all for your sympathy."

At the scene of the shooting today, Owen, flanked by four friends, delivered a large bouquet and remained to pay his respects for several minutes.

He also delivered an Everton rug bearing the motto "The People’s Club".

Placing it on the ground, he paused to look over the hundreds of bunches of flowers that have arrived since the shooting on Wednesday night last week.

Owen, who was composed throughout his visit, was escorted with his friends back through the cordon by police officers.

Four days on since the Everton-mad youngster died, residents of Croxteth Park are continuing to visit the crime spot to pay their last respects.

The main road passing by the Fir Tree pub where the gunman opened fire remained closed.

Ten people have been arrested over the killing - four have been bailed.

There are six people in custody on suspicion of murder, four males, one aged 16, one aged 15 and two aged 19, plus two girls aged 15 and 18.

Those who have been bailed by Merseyside police include an 18-year-old man and three boys, two aged 15 and one 14-year-old.

Police have confirmed they have spoken to a woman seen pushing a pram near the Fir Tree pub just before the shooting.