Vigil held for murdered Rhys

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Little Lewis Ainscough, dressed in his Liverpool football kit, stood on a chair to reach the microphone and offered an emotional tribute to the murdered schoolboy.

The youngster read a heart-rendering prayer to the hundreds of wellwishers who braved heavy rains to attend a memorial service at Liverpool's Croxteth Hall and Country Park.

Rhys's parents Melanie, 41, and Stephen, 44, lit a candle at the service in memory of their son. The couple, with Rhys's brother Owen, 17, sat silently with dignity during the 45-minute community vigil.

Lewis said the sudden death had been a great shock and asked God to comfort all who had been upset at Rhys's death.

The 11-year-old died after suffering a single gunshot wound to the neck as he walked home from football practice on August 22. The gunman, who was seen wearing a hooded top, made his escape shortly after the shooting.

June Simm, a teacher at nearby Fazakerley High School, said the Croxteth community had experienced "an almost overwhelming sense of grief and sadness".

She said: "Sadness and grief for a little boy, Rhys Jones, who lost his life in tragic and brutal circumstances. We also gather to declare our solidarity with those who are suffering at this time, especially Rhys' parents, Melanie and Stephen, his brother Owen, his family, friends and neighbours and we offer our condolences, our prayers and our deepest sympathies to them at this time."

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev James Jones, called on anyone who knew who killed Rhys to come forward. "Do what is right. Tell the truth," he said..