Tributes flood in for tragic Rhys

Aug 23 2007 Caroline Innes

Gordon Brown today said the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones was a “heinous crime” and extended his sympathies to the youngster’s family.

The Prime Minister said he could not begin to understand the “sadness, sense of loss, grief and shock” being felt by the family of Rhys, who was gunned down in Liverpool yesterday.

The boy had been playing football with friends when he was shot in the car park of a pub in the Croxteth area of the city.

Mr Brown, speaking at Downing Street, said: “This was a heinous crime that has shocked the whole of the country.

“I would urge anybody who has got any knowledge of this to co-operate with the police.

“The people responsible will be tracked down, arrested and punished.”

Head teacher at Rhys's school, Broad Square Primary School, Elaine Spencer, said: "The whole school is in a deep state of shock at this terrible tragedy. I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Rhys’ family and friends for their loss.
 
“Rhys was a really lovely boy who was extremely popular with everyone who knew him. He was friendly, outgoing and mad about football.
 
“He was also very bright, and had just done very well in his SATs. He had a wonderful future ahead of him and it is absolutely terrible that it seems his life has been cut short because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
 
“We are planning to open a book of condolence so that everyone can share their thoughts about Rhys and let his family know he will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
 
“We will also be offering counselling and support to all pupils who need it when they return to school in September.” 

Floral tributes to tragic young Rhys and his parents Melanie, 41, and Stephen, 44, began filling the streets outside the Fir Tree pub, where his mum works as a cleaner.

The murder happened less than a mile from Wayne Rooney's childhood home and several members of the England star's extended family were paying tributes at the scene.

Rhys was a devoted Everton FC fan and was believed to be wearing a Blues shirt when he was shot during a kickabout with friends.

Coleen McLoughlin's mother Colette told of their family's distress after hearing of Rhys' murder and urged the people of Croxteth to give the killer up to the police.

Speaking from the family home in nearby Roby, she said: "This is terribly saddening for everybody.
"Coleen is away from home at the moment, but I've spoken to her and she is very distressed by the shooting.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to little Rhys' family and friends.

"We will be praying for his parents Melanie and Stephen - you can only imagine the pain they are suffering.

"Croxteth is still a good place with good people - it has always had a fantastic community spirit and all our family are proud of our roots.

"We are all hoping that witnesses will come forward to help the police catch the killer as soon as possible."

Everton FC star Tim Cahill has also spoken of his shock and sadness at the death of Rhys.

The Australian international said: "It's unthinkable that a young kid enjoying a game of football with his friends can end up being killed.

"My heart, prayers and sympathy go out to the family. We know Rhys was a fan and he is in all the players thoughts.

"I've got young children of my own and I can't begin to imagine just how Rhys's family are feeling right now.

"I just hope that whoever carried out this act is brought to justice. It's such a tragic waste of a young life."