A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 11-year-old Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 11-year-old Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones.

Rhys was shot dead as he walked home from playing football in Croxteth Park in August last year.

Merseyside Police said that two men, aged 24 and 25, and two youths were charged with assisting an offender. One of the youths was also charged with possession of a firearm.

A total of 13 people were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in connection with the youngster's murder.

Det Supt Dave Kelly, leading the inquiry, paid tribute to Rhys's parents Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, for their support and patience throughout the eight-month investigation.

He said: "We have brought significant charges today. It has been a complicated inquiry which is reflected in the number of charges today.

“I would personally like to thank Stephen and Melanie Jones for their support and patience throughout this investigation.

“They have shown courage, strength and dignity during what must have been a truly terrible time for them.”