Rhys Jones 'killer' named on YouTube

The alleged killer of 11-year-old Rhys Jones has been named by commenters on YouTube.

Rhys was shot dead in a pub car park in the Croxteth district on his way to football practice on August 22. Police say Rhys was caught in the crossfire between local teen gangs, but have not named a suspect.

According to reports today, comments underneath a YouTube video posted by the Strand Gang, neighbouring rivals of the self-styled Croxteth Crew, name a local youth as the shooter.

The four-minute clip now appears to have been removed by YouTube admins. It showed hooded gang members brandishing guns, and had attracted more than 10,000 views.

One commenter wrote: "Why do you all call them child murderers? Rhys was hit by a stray bullet it was not intentional, no-one set out that night to kill Rhys."

Another replied: "Who da fuck is no-one? It was [redacted] who killed Rhys and everybody knows." The name cannot be repeated for legal reasons.

The Merseyside police investigation has seen 18 arrests but nobody has been charged.

Officers have encouraged local people to speak out against the gangs, and a BBC Crimewatch appeal sought more witnesses last night. ®