Police appeal to "mystery man" in boy's murder

LONDON, Aug 29 (Reuters) Detectives investigating the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones renewed their appeal for witnesses today while insisting they were closing in on his killer.

Coming hours after they had arrested a 15-year-old on suspicion of murder, senior police made an impassioned plea for a mystery man who they say gave ''key'' information about the shooting, to get back in touch.

Jones died after being shot in the neck outside the Fir Tree pub in the Croxteth area of Liverpool last week as he returned from playing football in a nearby car park.

Detectives have so far arrested 10 other suspects, mainly teenagers, in connection with the killing. They have all been released either without charge or on police bail.

Police believe the killer, who fired three shots, was a hooded youth aged between 13 and 15 who had been riding a bicycle.

Speaking to reporters at the scene of the shooting, Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, the senior investigating officer, appealed for more witnesses to come forward, especially people drinking at a nearby pub.

''The responses we have had are fantastic but we know there are still people out there that have key information that will bring this killer to justice,'' he said in the appeal to coincide with the week anniversary of the death.

He particularly appealed to a ''very brave'' mystery man to call back after earlier providing details about the murder.

Kelly, who did not elaborate what the information was about, personally guaranteed potential witnesses' safety.

''Please, please, it is vital you come forward -- think of the family,'' he said.

Yesterday, officers conducted a search of nearby woodland after a tip-off from a member of the public.

At 730 pm (local time) today, exactly a week after the shooting, officers were due to conduct foot patrols, stop cars near the Fir Tree Pub and hand out leaflets to passers-by.

Jones's parents, Melanie and Stephen, have made emotional appeals for witnesses to be ''brave'' and tell police what they know.

''People are frightened to come forward and frightened to give evidence. They fear for themselves and for their own families,'' Melanie said.

In a unique show of solidarity yesterday, Liverpool Football Club paid the ''ultimate tribute'' to Jones, a season ticket holder at Everton, by playing their arch rivals' anthem before their Champions League match with Toulouse.

Liverpool FC chiefs decided to play the tune ''Johnny Todd'', the theme tune for the TV show Z-Cars, which usually greets Everton when they take to the pitch.

REUTERS SS RAI2022