THOUSANDS of people are expected to join the parents of murdered 11-year-old Rhys Jones in a special vigil to be held in his memory tomorrow.
The event will take place as police continue their search for a number of witnesses who could prove crucial in the hunt for Rhys’s killer.
The schoolboy was shot in the neck by a gunman on a BMX bike in the car park of the Fir Tree pub as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth Park ten days ago.
Last night, investigators admitted he could have been the innocent and accidental victim of gang violence.
Four people, aged 20, 24, 17 and 16, who were arrested yesterday morning in connection with the investigation were released on police bail last night. Seven more have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Five others who have been released without charge are now being treated as witnesses in the case.
Organisers expect more than 3,000 people to arrive at Croxteth Country Park tomorrow for the 4pm community vigil.
Rhys’s family will light a candle in his memory and a school friend will give a reading. Speakers including the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, and Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Paul Clark, are expected to plead for information.
Last night Liverpool city council leader Warren Bradley appealed for the community to help the police.
“This is not the time to remain silent. Someone, somewhere knows who is responsible for Rhys’s tragic and senseless death.
“There is a mother, a brother, a neighbour or a friend out there who knows or suspects something. I appeal to you to search your conscience and come forward.
“We owe it to Rhys’s won- derful parents, his family and his classmates. We owe it to all our children, our neigh- bours and our city to stand together against violent gun crime.”
The 11-year-old’s funeral will take place on Thursday at the Anglican Cathedral.
Last night, police could not confirm reports Rhys’s killer is a member of Croxteth gang the Croxteth Crew.
Police are looking for a man who called them at 11.20pm last Saturday; a person who called Crimestoppers on August 24, who reported seeing a male on a mobile phone; the driver of a red car on Fir Tree Drive North about 7.40pm on August 22, who may have seen a cyclist riding towards Dam Wood; and the driver of a green car who was on Fir Tree Drive North between 7.25pm and 7.45pm.
vickyanderson
