Rhys killer will be caught - father - News in brief

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After nearly four weeks and 17 arrests, Stephen and Melanie Jones said they understood it could be some time before the teenage murderer is caught.

Speaking as the 11-year-old's former school remembered him with the unveiling of a playground named in his honour, the couple said they were sure Merseyside Police would solve the tragic crime.

Mr Jones, 44, said: "We realise it is a slow process but we are confident in the police. We have no reservations at all about that."

His 41-year-old wife - who cradled Rhys as he lay bleeding in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth - added: "We are confident in the police but it takes time."

The couple, who have one other son, Owen, 17, spoke as they were special guests at Rhys old school, Broad Square in Norris Green, Liverpool.

The school is in the heartland of the Strand Gang - also known as the Nozzer Dogs - who are believed to have been caught up in a turf war.

It is believed Rhys was an innocent victim caught in the crossfire between members of the Strand Gang and their rivals from the nearby Croxteth Crew.

On Monday morning 200 junior pupils lined the new £35,000 adventure playground which has been built in the four weeks since the Everton-mad boy's death.

Pupils, staff and a few well-wishers were on hand to applaud as Mr and Mrs Jones cut the shiny blue ribbon tied across the playground's entrance. "Rhys would have been really happy to have been playing on this," said his father.