Police have Rhys Jones murder gun

Feb 20 2008

THE gun used in the killing of schoolboy Rhys Jones is in the hands of the police.

For the first time today murder squad detectives admitted they had the long-barreled black handgun fired by a teenage gunman.

The weapon is being tested by ballistic experts.

It is understood the gun was recovered in November when officers swooped on two houses in Croxteth.

It was one of two firearms found on November 20, and has since been put through rigorous forensic tests.

The man leading the investigation, Det Supt Dave Kelly, said: “Since the date that Rhys was shot officers have taken 108 firearms off the streets.

“And as a result of forensic examinations on those weapons we believe we have recovered the firearm used in the murder in relation to which further forensic tests are still ongoing.”

On Friday it will be six months since 11-year-old Rhys was shot dead as he walked home from football practice.

Rhys opted to walk the 250 yards home rather than get a lift from a friend’s dad after finishing pre-season training with his club Fir Tree Under-12s.

As he crossed the car park of the Fir Tree Pub, on Fir Tree Drive South, Croxteth Park, at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 22, he was caught in the middle of what police believe was an attempted gang hit.

A hooded gunman fired three shots from across the car park.

One of the shots struck a silver BMW parked in the middle of the gravel driveway and ricocheted hitting Rhys in the neck.

The Everton fan lay dying in his mother’s arms as the alarm was raised.

Rhys was taken to Alder Hey children’s hospital where doctors worked in vain for 90 minutes to save him.

The gunman, thought to be a local youth, was captured on CCTV speeding away from the area on his mountain bike.

As he fled he rode off a kerb and into the path of a woman in a red car who slammed her brakes on and swerved to avoid him.

Despite extensive efforts – including a 3,000 letter drop around Croxteth Park – the woman has still not come forward.

But police today said they are confident they have identified the exact make of bike used by the killer.

He rode off through Dam Wood, which links Croxteth Park and Croxteth. The bike was one of two then dumped on a football pitch in Parkview Road, Croxteth.

Detectives believe an unsuspecting youngster may have found it and could still be riding around on it – unaware it is a vital piece of evidence in the Rhys murder inquiry.

Det Supt Kelly said: “We are following a number of positive lines of inquiry and today I would like to take the opportunity to issue a photograph of a particular model of bike which we believe was used by the offender on the night of the murder.

“The bike is a Specialized Hardrock mountain bike. Witnesses on the night described the bike as having a silver frame, black forks and a black seat.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen anyone riding this type of bike in the area following Rhys’s murder to contact us. I am also appealing to anyone who may know where this bike is now to come forward.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have come across the bikes and taken them and who now has possession of them, or who knows anything about them, to contact the incident room. Their information could prove vital to this investigation.”

Police have so far arrested 20 people as part of their inquiries.

Of the 17 arrested on suspicion of murder only four remain on bail.

The rest are being treated as potential witnesses.

Two teenagers arrested after the gun was found remain on police bail while another person is on bail on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Det Supt Kelly said: “I am fully aware that there has been a lot of speculation in the local community and on the internet about the name of a potential offender.

“However we have to deal with facts and require evidence to present any case and progress it through the courts.

“Again I would like to thank the public who have come forward for their continued help and support in providing statements or information.

“However I would still appeal to anybody who saw the incident, or who has any information, no matter how trivial they think it is, to come forward.

“We have a very clear strategy for this investigation and we're determined to leave no stone unturned.

“We’re confident with the advancements we’re making in the investigation, and that we will be able to progress towards charges and a successful prosecution, the timescale for which will be governed by the evidence.”

Anyone with information which could help the team with their investigation can contact the Major Incident Room on 0151-777 8722 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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