Father's poem to murdered boy Rhys

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Rhys' parents, Melanie, 41, and Stephen, 44, made their second visit to the scene of his murder before speaking about their "little guy" in a newspaper interview.

Mr and Mrs Jones, from Croxteth, Liverpool, said they had drawn strength from the support they have received from the public and pledged to reply to all letters and sympathy cards which have a return address.

In his poem, published in the Liverpool Echo, Stephen writes of God choosing a divine team of footballing greats and, with one place spare, "saw Rhys there in his kit".

"So Rhys was taken up above/God took him by the hand/To play the game he loved so much/Where sponsorship is banned."

The ode ends: "Have fun my little blue boy/You're safe and in God's care/Till it's time for me to get my boots/And join with you up there."

Detectives returned on Thursday to the Fir Tree public house in Croxteth, where Rhys was shot by a hooded youth on a BMX bike at 7.30pm last Wednesday.

The youngster was crossing the pub's car park on his way home from a football game when he was hit by a bullet in the back of the neck. An area at the rear of the pub, which had re-opened on Sunday night, was sealed off as fresh searches took place.

A 15-year-old who was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of the murder was bailed pending further inquiries. Six other people remain on police bail in connection with the death.

Police are still hoping an anonymous man who called with valuable information at 11.20pm on Saturday will ring again and speak directly to the senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly. Mr Kelly has promised the man the full protection of the law if he does come forward again.