A first batch of 150,000 ribbons has been produced for Liverpudlians to wear in solidarity against gun crime.

The purple ribbons represent a campaign on Merseyside demanding 1,000 more police officers for the region, a mandatory 10-year sentence for carrying a gun, more witness protection resources and better controls of firearms.

The ribbons are the focus of Liverpool Unites - a campaign organised by the Liverpool Daily Post's sister newspaper, the Liverpool Echo.

The move comes five weeks after Everton fan Rhys Jones, 11, was murdered in Croxteth Park.

He was shot through the neck and is believed to be an entirely innocent victim caught in the crossfire between feuding gangs.

The purple ribbons were inspired by the magnificent response from Merseyside’s Liverpool and Everton football teams - their red and blue colours merging into purple.

Rhys’s family have also given their support to the campaign.

The schoolboy’s father, Stephen, 44, said: “We all have to do what we can, no matter how big or small, to make Liverpool a safer place for everyone, not just the kids, and it has to be bigger than just Liverpool.

“There are too many guns on the streets, too many people who can get guns and too many who are willing to use them right across the country.

“We would urge everyone to wear their purple ribbons and show they back the campaign.”