Fears grow as graffiti links Rhys Jones 'suspect'

Sep 11 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

A COUNCILLOR representing the community where Rhys Jones was shot is demanding swift action from police – who almost three weeks after the 11-year-old’s death have yet to bring a charge.

Cllr Phil Moffatt says residents of the Croxteth Park area are talking openly about a prime suspect whose name has now appeared on neighbourhood graffiti linking him to the shooting. It is also now widely understood locally that residents know who the intended target for the shooting was.

Despite 17 arrests, Merseyside Police have yet to charge anyone with the murder. Now residents say they fear gangs will take matters into their own hands.

Last night, Cllr Moffatt revealed a meeting has been called for Saturday, September 22 so residents and elected members can meet detectives to discuss their concerns and find out how the investigation is progressing.

Everton fan Rhys was killed by a hooded teenager on a BMX bike who came from the side of the Fir Tree pub on a cycle path and fired three shots, with one hitting Rhys in the neck. The attacker escaped down one of many paths through the estate and residents now want the pathways closed.

It is understood Rhys was an innocent victim who got caught up in an inter-gang feud.

Cllr Moffatt said he would take action over residents’ concerns as he believed “the culprit would not have been able to get away from the murder scene had it not been for these rat runs”. He added: “People are very nervous in Croxteth Park at the moment. They want the person responsible for Rhys’s murder arrested and want the numerous pathways through the estate closed.

“People are frustrated that there have not yet been any charges over Rhys’s death but it will not be beneficial to the community or Rhys’s family if the police rush to bring a case that then falls down in court. It must be thorough and water-tight.

“We have called this meeting with the police so residents can discuss their concerns and we want the decision-makers in the investigation to attend – not just everyday officers.”

Last night, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said there had been no new developments over the weekend.

carolineinnes