Rhys Jones was killed as a result of intense rivalries between Liverpool gangs, but Sean Mercer was not a key player in the feud. Liza Williams reports

A LONG-RUNNING feud between opposing gangs caused the death of Rhys Jones. The 11-year-old was killed by a bullet intended for a rival who had strayed on to opposition turf.

A key element of the prosecution’s case rested on this history of “fierce and frequently violent rivalry”, between the so-called Crocky Crew and Norris Green’s Strand Gang.

Police have described these gang members as “unsophisticated and chaotic” criminals, whose rivalry was often cause by petty disputes, such as the theft of a bike or an argument over a girlfriend.

They say gang structure within Croxteth and Norris Green should not be overstated and it is the involvement of fire arms, coupled with the gang members’ willingness to use them, that creates danger.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Moore, head of Merseyside police anti-gun Matrix team said: “These groups of youths are amalgams of people. There is no rigid hierarchy or a set of rules.

“The start of their disputes seems to stem from petty disputes, it can be as ridiculous as the theft of a bicycle, or over girlfriends.

“It is not like in the US, where gangs have colours. You won’t find a Mafia structure – the gangs are made up of loose associations, people fall out with other friends but they show loyalty to each other.”

Det Supt Dave Kelly, who led the search for Rhys’s killer, said: “These are anti-social teenagers who get hold of firearms. They are not afraid to use them and the consequences are there for all to see.”

Police say the gangs’ core members are aged 13 to 17 but some were much older and into their 30s.

Members will get involved with drugs, theft, burglary and are involved with the criminal process, but police have no evidence of a network and individuals commit crime for their own benefit, not that of the gang as a whole.

Evidence in court has alluded to a more personal grudge between Mercer and Brady, but police say there is no reason to suspect the pair were fighting over a girl.

Neither do police think methods used by the offenders to cover Mercer’s tracks were sophisticated.

Det Ch Supt Moore said: “These youngsters are involved in crime and can all watch CSI Miami, they are not cut off from the need to get rid of evidence.”