Rhys's parents visit murder scene

Aug 30 2007

The parents of 11-year-old Rhys Jones today revisited the scene of their son’s murder.

Melanie Jones, 41, and her husband, Stephen, 44, spent around 35 minutes looking at flowers and reading messages from members of the public at a makeshift shrine outside the Fir Tree public house in Croxteth, Liverpool.

Rhys was shot dead by a hooded youth on a BMX bike as he walked through the car park of the pub to make his way home after football last Wednesday evening.

A 15-year-old boy who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder was bailed today pending further inquiries.

The landlord of the pub, Keith Doyle, and a woman left the Fir Tree and spent 15 minutes talking to Mr and Mrs Jones, pointing to various spots around the scene.

The woman then hugged Mrs Jones and they returned to the pub.

After reading some of the scores of messages at the shrine, Mr and Mrs Jones left, clutching a number of cards and items which had been left by the public in tribute to Rhys.

The man leading the murder inquiry, Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, yesterday made a plea for one particular witness to come forward again.

The man had called at 11.50pm on Saturday with significant information about the murder. But he refused to give his identity.

Mr Kelly made a personal appeal for the caller to get back in touch.

He said: “We have had a man telephone us with key information and I am grateful for that. He is very brave.

“I would appeal personally for him to get back in touch again.

“I will speak with you myself if that is what you want. There are special measures and provisions we can put in place to support and protect you.

“Please think of the family and the terrible hurt they are going through.”