Police renew appeals over murdered 11-year-old

LONDON, Aug 24 (Reuters) Police investigating the gunning down in Liverpool of 11-year-old Rhys Jones renewed appeals to help find his killer today and said they were disappointed by the public's response so far.

Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan of Merseyside Police said the key to solving the case lies within the community in the Croxteth area.

''We have had a few calls, but not nearly enough,'' she told reporters. ''I am disappointed that we've not had further calls coming in and that is why I am appealing to the community to come and tell us who is responsible.

''You know out there who has committed this crime. Please tell us -- help Rhys's mum and dad.

In a direct appeal to the murderer, she said ''If you are responsible for this crime, come and tell us, hand yourself in.'' Detectives earlier said the suspect is a slim white boy aged between 13 and 15, who was riding a black BMX bicycle and wearing a dark hooded top and white trainers.

The schoolboy was shot in the neck outside a pub on Wednesday as he walked home from football training with friends.

Rhys's mother Melanie Jones, who cradled her son in her arms as he lay dying, made an emotional appeal for help in finding the killer.

''Our son was only 11, only a baby -- this should not happen, this should not be going on. Please help us,'' she said. ''I know people must be frightened but they can't leave this killer out there.

''It could be their son, their brother next time, because it will happen again.'' Her husband Stephen said: ''We are devastated. We have lost our world, the world has lost a good guy.'' They described their son as a ''football mad'' Everton fan who never missed a home game.

''He saved pocket money for his kits, he bought his own kits, you didn't have to go and buy them. He saved to buy his kit,'' his father said.

''Football was his life -- if he wasn't watching it, he was playing it. If he wasn't playing it, he was on the PC playing it.'' Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the killing was a ''heinous crime that shocked the whole of the country''.

A boy of 14 and another aged 18 were released on police bail yesterday after being arrested in connection with the murder.

The shooting was the latest in a spate of murders of young people across Britain this year that have focused attention on gang-related violence.

REUTERS PD RN1858