A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was released on bail pending further inquiries, after earlier being questioned by detectives on suspicion of the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones.

Rhys was shot on August 22 by a hooded youth on a BMX bike as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth Park.

Police say Rhys was not the intended victim, but simply found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time – in the middle of local gang rivalry.

Yesterday’s arrest, on the day Rhys would have started secon-dary school, brings the number of people detained in connection with the murder to 17.

Eleven males have been bailed pending further inquiries and two females and three males have been released without charge and are being treated as witnesses.

Sources have told the Daily Post that among those arrested is a male, understood locally to be the intended victim. They said the community now feared a revenge shooting, with the gunman who shot Rhys a possible target.

Senior investigating officer, Det Supt Dave Kelly, said he was “determined to leave no stone unturned”.

He said: “We’re confident about the swift progress we’re making, and want to thank the public for their support.”

His comments came as Rhys’s father Stephen, 44, and brother Owen, 17, took the youngster’s place at assembly at Fazakerley High School.

Headteacher Nick Flemming said Rhys had visited the school several times for induction days.

He said: “Rhys had already made friends with some of his new classmates. Everyone at the school is deeply upset.”

Owen Jones is a sixth form student at the school and Mr Flemming added he had no doubt Rhys would have emulated his brother’s academic success.

Rhys’s primary school, Broad Square in Norris Green, returns from the summer break today.

Headteacher Elaine Spencer said: “We are still trying to come to terms with this senseless murder and start of the school term will be filled with sadness.”

She added: “Parents, staff and pupils will unite in one minute of applause for Rhys at the school. The school will then be closed Thursday, the day of Rhys’s funeral, to allow those who wish to attend the service to do so.”

Detectives continue to appeal for the driver of a red car seen on Fir Tree Drive North at about 7.40pm on August 22, to come forward.

FOOTAGE of Rhys Jones joking with a close friend as the pair mimicked Ant and Dec in a school project was broadcast last night.

ITV News screened the video of Rhys and pal Daniel O’Brien hav-ing fun in their version of the television programme Britain’s Got Talent.

ANYONE with information should ring the major incident room on 0151 777 8722 or text the word crime to 61051 followed by your message.

BILL GLEESON – BUSINESSWEEK: PAGE 8

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