Minute's applause held for murdered Rhys

Primary school friends of murdered 11-year-old Rhys Jones have marked the first day of the new term with a minute's applause.

Rhys - who was gunned down on August 22 in Croxteth, Liverpool, by a teenager on a BMX bike - left Broad Square Primary in Norris Green in June but knew many of its younger pupils.

Headteacher Elaine Spencer said: "Although Rhys's classmates have moved on to secondary school, there are many younger pupils who knew him as their friend.

"And, of course, our staff have been devastated by this news. All of us are still trying to come to terms with this senseless murder, and the start of the new school term will be filled with sadness."

Rhys's devastated parents and older brother are preparing for his funeral on Thursday which will be held at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral at 2pm.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "The service will be a celebration of Rhys's life and his family have asked that bright clothes, or football strips, should be worn."

The service will follow a funeral procession from the Jones family home in Croxteth past Goodison Park, home of Rhys's beloved Everton Football Club.

Rhys's burial will take place at a private ceremony with only family and friends in attendance.

On Tuesday, Rhys's father Stephen, 44, and brother Owen, 17, took the youngster's place at assembly on what would have been his first day at Fazakerley High school, Liverpool.

Merseyside Police released on bail a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the murder. The youth was the 17th person to be detained by officers investigating the killing.

Of those, five have been released without charge and are being treated as witnesses and 12 have been bailed pending further enquiries.

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