17-year-old is charged with Rhys murder

A 17-YEAR-OLD boy was last night charged with the murder of schoolboy Rhys Jones, 11, who was shot dead by a gunman on a bicycle last year as he walked home from football practice in Liverpool.

Four others , Gary Kayes, 25, and Melvyn Coy, 24, of Croxteth, Liverpool, and two youths, 15 and 16, were reportedly charged with assisting an offender.

The 16-year-old has also been charged with possessing a firearm. All five are expected to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today.

A total of 13 people were arrested on Tuesday and yesterday in connection with the youngster's death, in Croxteth Park last August .

Three people, aged 54, 50 and 49, and a 16-year-old youth have been released on bail pending further inquiries. A 22-year-old man was also bailed on Tuesday night.

A 17-year-old youth remains in custody along with a 20-year-old man who was arrested earlier yesterday. A 21-year-old woman has been released without charge.

Det Supt Dave Kelly, leading the inquiry, paid tribute to Rhys's parents Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, for their support and patience throughout the investigation.

He said: "We have brought significant charges today. It has been a complicated inquiry which is reflected in the number of charges today."