Happy birthday to Rhys for tomorrow, my son will be 21 on Friday he is my life. Justice should be done someone knows, give the Jones family the truth they deserve. life is precious they had a piece of that stripped. It may have been a dreadful mistake and not meant to hurt, but it did and now is the time to give in and come clean. My thoughts and prayers are for all who was privileged to have known Rhys. Youth worker.

Ann Mckenna, Whiston , England

It has been five weeks tomorrow since Rhys Jones was murdered, and the emphasis on this crime is beginning to fade. I believe the media should keep this shooting in the limelight constantly, so as to keep the pressure on the stupid people who are involved in this killing. Anyone who know' s who did this, and the scum bag responsible for providing the gun are as responsible for this childs death as the person that pulled the trigger that night. Lets not forget Rhys and lets keep him and the crime in the spotlight keeping the pressure on those responsible everytime they read the news. (presuming they can read!!)

Lynn, Liverpool,

such a young boy taken so soon i hope he is in a better place R.I.P Rhys i wish so hard that you find the heartless kid who did this i wish you good luck and good bye.............

Paige Norwood , wanstead, london

a beautiful little boy taken so early...a typical young lad..loves his football n friends, never do harm 2 anybody! deepest sympathy 2 all the family!
R.I.P Rhys, always rememberd..never forgotten..XX
now in the arms of an angel! XX

stacey, lincoln, england

The song "In My Liverpool Home" will probably have to be re-written now? There are no hard knocks anymore just cowards, who shoot rather than fight. Sadly its a sign of the times, because we the Parents have failed our City. The more we keep quiet about youth and other people crimes the worse it will get. People wont come forward while there are corrupt Officers of the law who reveil identities of witness, plus other officials, even our law system lets witness down. If you hav,nt lived in an area where there is mayhem then you probably would not agree with this statement but they are facts which keep people behind their curtains. But if we all say what we see or hear, then the trouble makers could not win. Lets take back our town because Liverpool is a really Fab place to Live!
God bless The Jones Family

gary, Liverpool, England

A beautiful blue taken away from his doting family by vermin. This should not be happening.My wife is expecting our first child and we should be joyous but its a scary place to bring a child up now. I hope the pain eases for the family and frinds of little rhys. I hope hes scoring lots of goals up there in a peaceful place. PLEASE GET THE THUG WHO DID THIS.
A FELLOW SAD BLUE

stuart griffiths, CARNOUSTIE, SCOTLAND

I would like to say I feel so sorry for his family, this should not be happening in the world especially to a young Boy like Rhys, I just hope this little guys killers are caught and get fully what they deserve, god bless you little man . R.I.P

john, romford essex, england

this is so terrible. i feel so sorry for the little guy r.i.p

john, leeds,

i can/t belive someone would do this to an inicent child who loved football.i can/t emagen what rhys mum dad family and friends are going throught right now but were ever he is he will be looking down on them.

matthew dreuitt, derby, england

I cannot believe this is what Britain has come to but it was only a matter of time. Its long been known that if you commit a crime in britain and get a custodial sentence you may only need to serve half it whilst being given a nice clean cell with a tv and games room!!!! We need tougher prisons, longer sentences and time added for bad behaviour not taken off for 'good'!!! Its all very well saying that Rhys was not the intended target but at the end of the day the outcome would have been the same a young life lost and their parents in mourning.its tragic that its taken a young innocent child to lose his life before our situation is reviewed. I wish Rhys'family strength and courage at this difficult time - my thoughts and prayers are with you

claire, Newcastle upon tyne,

I am totally confused about the fact of him being shot. Why did this happen and why did the gun have to be aimed at him. What had he done wrong. He does play football and there are normally rows when it comes to fotball about supporting teams. The killer of Rhys was probably jealous. I can imagine how devostating it is for Rhy's family. I think the police should interview his friends to find out more about his school life and why this might have happened

mg, Norwhich, England

I live in Canada and I am an avid Liverpool Fan. I was on the LFC website when I read the headline regarding the tribute to Rhys Jones at Anfield. My eyes filled with tears as I went to this website to read the horrific details of what had transpired. My heart fills with emotion when I only imagine the pain little Rhys felt and the anguish and anger his family feels now. We suffer from rampant gun and gang violence among children in Toronto. People like the Jones family suffer through the same ordeals and the government pays lips service to appease the publics fears. I hope the British government cracks down on this type of crime as the Canadian government does little after the fact. Rest in peace young Rhys. The Canadian fans of Liverpool will not forget.

K .Worth, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

I am appalled by this innocent child's murder as anyone but I must say this: Stop blaming it all on computer games, address the real issues instead of finding a scapegoat. I am pretty sure violence existed BEFORE video games and will exist after. It is guns we must crack down on and quickly before we fully emulate the worst excesses of America. It is easy to blame video games because it is easy to control their supply, simply block the game from release but would the government put the effort and cash into stopping weapon's coming into the country? It's tied in with drugs so that would have to be tackled as well. 'Bring back the death sentence!' you scream, steadily dragging this country down the road to big brother. 'Stop human rights nonsense-breach duties u lose rights!' I do feel we give too many rights and privileges to criminals who far from earn them, the murdering idiot who wanted 'right of family life' did not deserve it. BUT if you start curbing human rights how far do you go? Robert if we all make demands with our gut reactions we will wind up in a country we do not want to be in as much as one filled with senseless gun crime. You will be safe but not from your government, you will be safe but without the right to protest.

Sean, Cambridge, Britain

My heart just bleeds for this family. My love and condolences go out to them at this time. I pray that in time they find some peace. The only way any of us can begin to understand their pain is to try and empathise with them, put ourselves in their shoes, feel what it must be like to be in their world right now. That's all it takes really. So, to the young person who has done this, or to his parents of mates or brother or sister, I would ask you to try for one minute to do the same. Go on, just imagine it is your little brother who someone did this to. What if this was your son or your daughter? How would you be feeling right now? Go on, don't rush, really think about it. How does it feel? I have also tried to put myself in your shoes and I wonder how you are feeling right now. Are you scared? Are you sorry? Are you proud? Now think about that for a minute.. ? That's all it takes really, just a little thought, but up to now you obviously haven't thought enough to give yourself up.

Mrs T B, Merseyside, England

Even as a highly compassionate human being I still cannot come close to imagining the agony that poor Rhys's Family must be going through at this time. There is no punishment strong enough for this crime and the waste of such a bright young star as this lad. This person surely cannot conceal this indefinitely no matter how cold hearted they may be - they have to break eventually. I was deeply moved by Rhy's family standing tall at the Liverpool game and they are in my prayers. God bless them and I hope time eases the hurt that little bit.

Stuart Lane, Hartlepool, UK

what a waste of a young innocent life! this gang culture has long been known to exist on Merseyside...the local council and the local authority must take responsibilty for this heinous ,callous murder.Youths fuelled with drink are a major social problem on Merseyside and countrywide...but this goes beyond the bounds of reason...the gang and gun culture in Croxteth/Norris Green areas is the result of several generations of the "underclass"...these people have lived on benefits for three generations..their aspirations run to the pub,the betting shop and plonked in front of TV..they expect the country owes them a living and if they dont get it they take it!!

The do gooders would have us believe they are "deprived" and "disaffected"..not so...there are thousands of decent working people in these areas too!!...We now need dracononian measures to correct the situation...mandatory 5 year sentence for possession of or suply of firearms.Evening curfew for groups over 4 people, more prisons

Bill, Merseyside, UK

R.I.P. little fella. i didnt know you but it shows alot of people did and thought the world of you. how did this happen? my baby boy is 2 and im terrified for when he gets older. my heart goes out to Rhys's family. so sad
Good Night God Bless x

S Wilson, Liverpol,

As a parent to 3 children myself Nathan agad 13 and Ellie and Charlie aged 11 I can not begin to think what Rhys's parents and brother are going through. My son is also football mad and him and his friends are always out playing thier favourite game.. You think your children are safe when they walk home from doing the things that they all love doing the best!!! I really hope now that our so called GOVERNMENT will crack down on these thugs that we have in this country.. Until someone in our GOVERNMENT or ROYAL FAMILY lose someone close to them by a tragic accident nothing will be done!!! come on GORDEN BROWN get your act together and make this a safe place for our children!!!!!!!! Am thinking of Rhys' family every day that go by.. God bless such a beautifull looking young lad. Best wishes to all his family xx

m h symon, norwich, uk

my heart breaks for poor rhys and his family. i cried when i read the story. i have a son the same age, who is about to start high school, and like rhys lives to play football. this could so easily have been anyones child, i couldnt imagine not having my son here, they will never get over it, how cruel can people be to take a young innocent life for no reason. god bless

the taylor family, wigan, england

My heart goes out to Rhys's family and friends. What is our country coming to when our little children aren't safe to play the beautiful game in peace? I cannot begin to imagine what pain and anger felt by his parents and brother. God rest your soul Rhys, from a red to a blue - you'll never walk alone x

J W, Leyland, UK

I am watching the Liverpool match, myheart is breaking for the poor brave family of Little Rhys, it goes to show that although supporters of the other side, football can bring people together and put their differences to the side,thanks to the people of Liverpool for showing respect and teaching the rest of the world how it should be done,Its a heartbreaking time for Rhys family they are so brave, now they know they will never walk alone and Rhys memory will be forever there, this tragedy has united a nation, Thanks Liverpool for showing the way

the jeffress family, bournemouth,

our thoughts are with you and all the family , it is not a fair world we live in it is always the innocent who suffer

helen, merthyr tydfil,

I have just watched the BBC news and was full of admiration for Melanie Jones. She spoke with such composure and strength as only a mother can when she is talking about such a beloved child that is snatched away from her loving embrace. Out of this sorrow I truly hope that Melanie Jones is going to make a difference somewhere somehow, to other peoples lives. From this tragedy I feel sure that only good will follow her. I'm just one 'other' mother who loves more than her own life.... her children.

Lillian Wright, Deal.,

The unforgivable loss of a very talented little boy. What has the world come to when a child is murdered in cold blood for being in the wrong place? I'm ashamed to live in this ever lawless country. It seems to take the unnecessary death of an innocent child for anyone to do anything. Do an adult crime, pay adult time. I will never begin to imagine the pain that Rhys's mum, dad, brother and all his family and friends are going through. His family have been robbed of and wonderful footballer but he will never be forgotten.

FB , Bristol,

my heart goes out to rhys parents a brouther rhys will always be with you in your hearts has my son is with me i lost my son two years ago love yvonne bailey

yvonne bailey, hull,

No parent should ever have to think about buryingtheir own child. We are living in an ever disgusting society, where the innocent die and the thugs roam the streets full of themselves.
My heart goes out to Rhys' parents, i can only begin to imagine what they are going through and wll continue to go through until one day they join him.
A life for a life is the simple sentence. our justice system which is so hypocritical condones these acts of violence and tears peoples hearts, minds and families apart. A life for a life, and then we'll see how these thugs react. Go to places like Saudi Arabia and look at their justice system, they know hoe to deal with issues not lke our government, feed the thugs candy and forgive them, and make the innocent people pay. Rhys' family along with many others wil continue to pay the price, today, tomorrow, for long time yet to come. Britain will never wake up.

H, wolverhampton,

Owen from London stated:-

"I feel the need to point out, in amongst all of the usual 'hang em and flog em' brigade, that crime is actually at it's lowest for decades. "

Recorded crime may be at its lowest for decades. But actual crime is not.... There is a difference!!

Michael, Manchester,

Gut wrenching tragedy.The parents are devastated. "Evil monster'' is not sufficient to describe the killer.If and when he is caught ,do not drag your feet by applying the standard procedures. If the killer has parents , put them away too and throw the keys. And for God's sake bring in stricter gun control laws.
My heart goes out to the parents at this time of immense grief.

Time is a physician that heals every grief. ~Diphilus

mahadev, Ahmadabad, India

I hope all those preparing to flee the country to places like Canada and Australia realise that the per capita murder rate in those countries is higher than it is here (from nationmaster.com). It would be an expensive business having to emigrate a second time.

David, Bristol,

I cannot begin to imagine what the family must be going through- how can this country where I played on the streets and lived outside in the summer until late in the evening can have come to this. Why are the young dying for nothing? What is wrong with the world? No parent should have to go through this, a young boy in the prime of his life gunned down just before he had the chance to start a new school and build a future for himself and one his parents and older brother would no doubt have been proud of. I never knew him but he has touched my heart and as i pick up the papers and see the flowers and sadness its so heartbreaking to hear his friends talk so proudly of the lovely boy called Rhys Jones.

pam , huddersfield,

Bill,

"Any study of this nation shows that virtually the entire population are 'imigrants' - the reason this nation is so great is because of our cultural diversity. "

What a ridiculous remark. The overwhelming majority of people in this country can trace back their presence here for over 1,000 years. We actually have one of the most stable ethnic populations in Europe.

Racism or immigration has nothing to do with the murder of this boy. But alienation does. The Left has been so busy demolishing any sense of community or shared values that we are left with a lot of young people who feel no connection to this country. No wonder that they treat society with such contempt - they and their families may have lived here for 1,500 years but actually they are just immigrants and have no connection at all.

Margaret, Berkhamsted,

I am terribly sad at what has happened, but I am sadly not suprised.
This government has decided that fathers' are not essential in a family. When a woman can lose £40 - £50 per week in benefits because her partner is living in the household, it is no wonder that the father lives apart - who can blame a woman for choosing financial security for her family? Also couples are at the bottom of the social housing list, but single mothers are at the top, is it any wonder why there has been an explosion in single parent households over the last 30 years?
When the sweet baby boy grows up into a teenager, his estranged father is not around to give him boundries, which the teenager now finds in gangs.
The anti-male bias in our culture is the root cause of these problems, in the welfare, justice and education system. This is due to a left wing feminist dogma which has pervaded government for a number of years. We reap what we sow.
My condolances to Rhys parents' and god bless Rhys

Mike, MIDDLESBROUGH, England

Words cant explain my feelings for you and your family,another young life lost through gun crime,a young boy going about everyday life,enjoying his football training.r.i.p.rhys,i hope they find your killer,and if anybody who knows who did it having the conscience to read this please give up your information.These meanless killings has got to stop,get these damn guns off of the streets before this gets out of control

kitty, herts,

R.I.P little man, you will alway be missed by everyone that knew you. And condolences to Mr and Mrs Jones and Owen, thinkin of you at this sad and tragic time, god bless you all, wih love xxx

joan hopley and daughter samantha , stockport, cheshire

As a mother of three I can only imagine what Rhy's parents are going through. This is just a waste of a precious life and this is one of the reasons we decided to leave the UK. The government must do something about these young gangsters before any more parents have to go through this.

My prayers are with you Jones family

genia, Vancouver, Canada

I was horrified that a young boy was killed by a gun - I thought we had laws protecting us but it appears that they can be pushed aside as we are not allowed to curtail civil liberties in this day and age!!. It's time we had more law and order in this country and bring back more stringent laws to curtail these yobs. Our police force need greater powers to instill law and order. TO the poor parents my heart goes out - I cannot imagine what they are going through and will keep them in my prayers. Please Mr Brown do something before these occurrences get worse and more frequent - give us back our country that was once the envy of the world and we could be proud to be British and not ashamed as we are so often these days.

Sageski, Coventry, England

just want to say deepest sympathy to all the jones family lets hope they get them x x x x x

kellie, liverpool, kirkby

My heart goes out to the parents of Rhys, and also the whole of their community who cannot help but be affected by this terrible, tragic crime.
Melanie and Stephen Jones showed such bravery in their appeal, at a time when all they felt was devastation. I cried with them and cannot begin to imagine what they are going through.
My prayers go to Rhys's family, and to all the other families who have lost a child through totally mindless acts.
The person or persons who did this, obviously have no respect for life, and let us hope justice prevails.
Life should mean life, and if anyone is protecting these perpertrators, I hope they are as brave as the Jones, and come forward to help the police.

P. Peach, Strathaven, Scotland

when on earth is this government going to get to grips with this yob culture, discipline begins at home, sort out familys give people self respect & belief. for christs sake get rid of the human rights act & start back to grass roots and start disciplining kids before school, the slipper & cane never did me any harm. bring back capital punishment for child murderers, police killers, deport immediately all immigrant killers drug dealers, if that doesn`t work. deport immediate family as well. im sure this would cut down the crime rates significantly. lets get our country back before it does regress into anarchy. gordon brown listen to the majority of LAW abiding british citizens

ian, whitby,

God bless Little Rhys Jones! xx
No one should have that done its just not right!
My thoughts and cares go out to your family!
My wee cousin is the same age as you and if that happened to Him i wudnt know wat to do! xx
You seem such a happy boy!!
You seem to always have a smile!!
And it looks like your really loved!
Me was in tears wen i seen it!
When will people stop this!
I am just a year older than you and you ave your whole life Infront as do I!
There is no reason!!
Or excuse!!
R.I.P Little Rhys Jones! xx

Ellen Hendry, carrickfergus, N.Ireland

May this poor young lad rest in peace. God help his family as how one gets through this is hard. I know because my nieces young boyfriend was beaten to death last year for no reason - mistaken identity.

It is hard and I don't think you ever recover but I hope they realise that we are all horrified and feel their pain. They are in our thoughts and prayers and I hope that the "animals" that did this get caught soon. However, if they are looking for justice they will not get it - as I said we witnessed british justice at first hand. The ages of those involved (as in our case) means they will be free in a few years to get on with their lives. What live does Rhys and his family have - none.
One of the lads got 8 years for culpible homicide and then had it reduced to 4 on appeal. The other 2 got life with a recommendation to serve 12 years. Young lads still when they get out.

Margaret , Lanark, , Scotland

I would like to say how truly sorry I am for the family and friends of Rhys Jones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you always remember the happy times and what a wonderful little boy Rhys was. It seems in his short life he touched many people and for others that may take a life time.

CK, San Diego, US/CA

God bless the family of little Rhys. As the mother of a young son myself, I cannot imagine what his family are going through. I have cried so many times since Wednesday as I try to make sense of this. There is no sense to it - and hopefully our farcical judicial system will see this once his killer is caught and has to face a court for his/her actions. Rest in peace little man, may God keep you safe in his loving arms.

Lisa, Falkirk, Scotland

Wow, looks like that total handgun ban in the U.K. has been really effective. I'm so glad that some people in our country are calling for the same thing. There's nothing like efficacy to backup demagoguery. Perhaps they could try banning all of the already banned handguns?

Rob, Toronto, Canada

Very, very sad! My thoughts are with the family. Also its good to know that good people are safe, now that firearms are outlawed over there!

Eric, Ketchikan, US / Alaska

Brown - get off your ass and do something! This has gone too bloody far! This should never have happened!! Sincere condolences to Rhys' parents.

Sarah, Birmingham, UK

Please pray for Rhys' family at this sad time, they were very brave in facing the public gaze.

The time has now come to seize back our streets and communities from the scum that pervade it. The police should be back on every street corner dealing with communities where they work best. Stop this Community Support Officers, they are useless in the face of young criminals.

We all pay council tax, we should all go to our local Police and demand the services we pay for. While this happened where were the police, probably filling in forms or processing speed fines. Get civilians to do that.

Make our laws tougher, human rights, excuse me, when someone kills in cold blood, they gave up Their Human Rights, what about innocent victims human rights. We should tear up the Act and go back to life as it was, before 1999 and T Blairs famous human rights act.

bertha, Carlisle,

when they are caught they should be given the death penalty. life for a life. old enough to carry a gun,old enough to pay the consequinces..that little lad was still a baby,my heart goes out to the parents.i have a little lad and ill be watching him all the time. the government needs to make a drastic decision straight away.if we didt have this stupid rule were we cant smack our kids then maybe we wouldnt have situations like this. im very saddend to hear about this.its too upsetting.

gavin, stockton on tees, uk

I can't even read anything about this tragedy, so much as the title makes me cry. Last time I felt so sad (abt a world news) was for the children taken hostage in Russia (2004).
So so so sad.
I dont know how the parents could be comforted but I send them all my prayers.

louise, soiss, Fr

Firstly I wish to say how terribly sorry I am that this sweet boy was taken from his family. I know the tears I am crying now as I write this are nothing in comparrison to those of his mum, dad and family. REST IN PEACE darling Rhys.
I am an American and a mother and I am so disgusted to hear of this crime-something that sadly our nation seems to be notorious for. I had the honour and joy as a young lady to live in London and Manchester for a short spell, and the UK will always have a special place in my heart!
GOD BLESS!

Meagan Cunningham, San Francisco, California, USA

i think it is disgusting how no one has given this thing into the police who shot this poor baby after all thats what he was a baby he hadnt even begun his life i am a mum of a 14yr old and a 5yr old and i cant even begin to understand what his parents and brother are going through but my thoughts and prayers are with them and i pray someone who knows will go to the police

R.I.P
rhys you didnt deserve this
you should be out now playing football and scoring goals
i didnt even know you but i will never forget you

marti, liverpool, walton

I'd like the Jones family to know that I'm thinking about them and praying for them.My heart goes out to Melanie Jones everytime I hear how she cradled her dying son in her arms.This is too shocking for words.It has to stop.Bring in zero tolerance both here and in England.

Maud, Ireland,

I find it interesting reading the various perspectives of people from around the world. I hope that Rhys's parents are able to find justice in the future for their son.
The most interesting point is that somebody recognised that there is a stream of the population that lives in a parallel society that appears to be beyond the law. The gang provides community and the gun and/or knife status - "The Lord of the Flies".
If you live a "parallel" life beyond the law, how can the law deal with you. The prisons are full, the so called "Human Rights Act" possibly in your favour, and the education system dysfunctional.
The "reminder" about crime being at its lowest levels - It may well be but the proportion of violent crime has been growing.

I haven't got the answers.

However, nobody is asking the right questions about how all of this has come about. Until somebody does there is little that anybody can do to bring the "parallel society" back to a point where the law exerts its will.

Rob, Eindhoven, NL

How truely saddened I am to see Rhys Jones parents make an appeal for the killer of their young son. I am a Mother of a 14 year lad and every day my concerns grow for his safety on our British streets, my heart aches for Ryhs's parents and the loss they have to bear for the rest of their lives.I can not imagine how they truely feel, I only know from a parents view the devastation this has caused. We need to stop the gun/knife teenager crime that is currently taking to our streets, these victims of such vicious and sadistic crimes needs to be stopped and the culprits found and made an example of, we the public, the police and all the authorities associated with these young crimes needed to be acted on and they need to be made examples of, they took a life so therefore they deserve to pay a life's sentence behind locked doors and I mean life, let's face it Rhys's parents have a life sentence ahead of them of pain and loss of their beautiful 11 year old Son. GOD BLESS YOU RYHS

Mrs Lorraine Beard, Nuneaton, United Kingdom

So very sad that an innocent 11yrs young footie fanatic gets gunned down..Rhys Jones luved Everton..sadley he was a few days away from going to see his favourite team play Blackburn today!..I feel sad for his mum & dad, family, friends, teammates
..anyone who knew him?..today we hear that a 16yr old is in custody for the 'murder' of this 'innocent kid'.!?!!..what a tragic week..I hope the 'shooter' never sees the light of day again!?!..
the LAW is as weak as its makers?..we wait the outcome?!!.
Big warm hugs to the family..R.I.P Rhys..peace..nice thoughts of a young life..tragically cut short..in our hearts forever..sleep tight 'true Blue'..lots of luv from ex-pats in Amsterdam..'You'll Never Walk Alone'..heavy heart & tear in my eye!..Tex Kinsella.

Texkin, Amsterdam, Netherlands

God Bless Little Rhys jones x
Nobody Deserves Something Like This To Happen To Them!
Especially a innocent Little By With a Life Full Of Love & Promising Oppertunitys Ahead Of Jim!! its Devastating!!
its Sad it Takes Something Like This To Bring it To The Governments Attention That The UK is in Danger!!
My Heart is With The Jones Family x x x

Laura , Liverpool, Anfield

I am so sorry for your loss, i am not a mum but i have a younger brother and can not imagine what i would do if anything happened to him. this is a very sad and sorry country now even i have seen the changes in the 24 years i have been alive. my thoughts go out to you and your family, he seemed such a lovely smiley young boy.

Bella , Chelmsford,

Like others, I have been in tears for most of the day. There's nothing I can say or do to comprehend what Rhys' parents are going through.

Words are not enough from government, police, do gooders etc. Action is what is needed. There's been too much tip toeing, too much blame on reasons why monsters do these things - there are no valid reasons for these monsters' actions. Oh I'm sorry, a paedophile who sexually abused over 20 children, including an 18 month old, wasn't jailed. There's the reason - no punishment for the crimes committed - perhaps thats the reason.

S Johnson, London,

In the last 10 years, i have watched morality walk out of this country: I recall when i was growing up how old women would tell you off at busstops for misbehaving and how you would apologise almost immediately (no, i am not 50 yrs old; just 30); i recall how the F-word and such were used rarely. Now, even 5 year-olds, F-and blind; boozing is fun and normal; parents get overtly mad at teachers for correcting their children -- on every single front, there is a corroding of morality. We often say to "immigrants" that they are disrespecting our culture but we need to ask, "what culture?" We do not have a culture anymore; no values, nothing. What we are experiencing is a direct result of what we have allowed to occur in this country. Virginia of Brisbane puts it aptly: "no one wants the discipline, but we all want the results". Well, i hope we are liking the results because there is probably more to come.

Anne, Longstanton, UK

Our FATHER has received an angel named RHYS at the Paradise and I'm sure that He will take especially care of him.

Isabel Undurraga, Santiago, CHILE

This countries law's have become incredible. They must be one of the weakest law's in europe. Even if rhy's murder is cought he will serve life. But if we think about it he might be 13 - 15 years old and life in this country is 20 years max so he will be out by the age of 35. That is a total disgrace.

Edd, London,

I read this news and it was on our television, too.
Knowing this news, we were very sorry for the little-good lad, Rhys, and sympathy to the Jones. We thought that the murders would been arrested sooner or later.
There is no place for crime in our world, especially murdery.
All criminals will have to pay for their crime.
Let's unite with eachother to fight agaist crime !

Ngoc Vinh, Ha Nam, Vietnam

Marni I really dont think this is a world that has lost faith. This is a world with people who KNOW that they can do what they want and generally get away with it, especially if they are under age, This was a despicable crime, against a defencelass child, and oh how blatantly was it committed.People like this have no shame nor morals and care nothing for faith or the never ending pain of this boys family.
Rest in peace Rhys, there are many people thinking of you and I think you will never be forgotten.

Rachel, Kildare, Ireland

What sort of animals would gun down an innocent child like Rhys Jones a child who had all his life in front of him.
Bring back hanging and maybe this killing spree will stop, life has become so cheap, but what can anyone expect when the punishments doesn't fit the crime.
To Rhys's family I send sincere condolences in their heart break.

Margaret, Wimborne, Dorset

To me, the centre of the problem is education. We've got to create more of a family atmosphere in the schools, or else children grow up in an alien environment which has very little meaning to them; very little love. Children are growing up without a heart centre - either at school or in the home - and are acting out of misery and desperation. It's an invitation to start a gang - this is the way that this group creates meaning. I think we've got to radically re-think the educational system. My heart and prayers go out to the Jones family.

Sue, London,

we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to rhys,s family we cannot imagine the pain and heartache you must be feeling. we need to get back to some sort of disipline, that will make these people think about what they are doing. the parents of this person must know what their child has done.they need to come forward.we will pray for you.

d.hutcheon, scotland,

This spate of violence by young people towards young people is representative of a wider rot in society. By taking away consequence and responsibility, many children are growing up with a cavalier regard for human life. As a society, we are frightened to say no, to set boundaries with our children and instead we feed into the mentality of every person for themselves with no concern for the wider community. Many children experience a lack of love, respect and the firm guidance of their parents, while others are damaged by too much freedom and indulgence - it's easy to feel untouchable if all you ever hear is yes. I think our children are losing their childhoods, being de-sensitized and have a air of hopelessness, believing there is no point in aspiring to anything. Guns, knives, gangs, snuffing out a life - it's all about power with no thought for the victims and their families, which disgusts me and scares me terribly. It's about time that we said no to this climate of fear.

Emma, Nottingham,

I truly believe that the whole country send there heartfelt sympathy to Rhys' parents i only hope that for the sake of our country that the law changes and the people who do these crimes pay for it.
Is it not about time that our goverment took stance over this gun and knife culture , i feel our country is run by europe and not our own people get rid of this nanny state bring back law and order .
I only hope and pray that the law changes and this gun and knife culture is abolished.

colin, Washington, tyne and wear

a lovely lad from a lovely family whose promising life has been ended by a moron who has no values at all and if caught will spend a few years in jail where this murderer will be fed and looked after and even be allowed to study for a trade so that on release could go and get a job with the support of the state and human rights organisations and eventually lead a nice comfortable life while those whose lives have been torn apart by the actions of this killer live a life that has been ruined forever with no chance of ever having a future to look forward too. the jones family are a credit to decent people everywhere and i hope one day all decent people like them can rid this place of the scum who blight our lives.

john o shea, merseyside, england

Our governrment should bring an end to violence on computer games and on TV programmes. These show children and young people "how to do it"! Games and programmes are examples to follow.
Sadly, I have to agree with those who are blaming American influence - some American TV programmes contain unacceptable and unnnecessary levels of violence.
When caught the killers should be certain that they will have a life sentence with no remission or privileges. They should be aware that there is punishment for wrongdoing and in their case it lasts for the rest of their lives.

Peter Waring, Rushden, England

time to get real and get tough.
bring back the family.bring back punishment.bring back life in hard labour NOW

PHILIP MCCLUNG, DUNGANNON, TYRONE

What do we expect? We are obsessed with the Human Rights of criminals whilst ignoring the right of law-abiding citizens to walk the streets in safety. The sentences handed out for violent crime are laughable, by a judiciary that believes the views of the public are of no consequence. Our senior police officers are spineless defeatists who have abandonded areas of our cities to their fate but are happy for their officers to sit on bridges photographing motorists. This crime goes on because we tolerate it. Enough.

VB, Glasgow,

The underlying big picture for the lawless-ness, crime and anti social behaviour of our country's youth unfortunately lies with these peoples parents' inability and dis-interest in teaching their children discipline and respect from the day they are born. The only solution I can see is radical, but it would start to sort the problem out and that is to re-introduce 2 years national service in army boot camps for any person found to be carrying a gun, knife or other offensive weapon. No 2nd offences, no excuses, just get them drafted! Also included should be drug pushers after they have served a custodial sentence. The 1st poiltical leader to introduce this policy would immediately win the next election such is the anger of the nation over these unbelievable and unstoppable crimes

steve gibbons, Loughborough,

My heartfelt sympathy to Rhys' parents. This is madness, utter madness. Please don't let this little fella die in vein, this has to stop now. God bless and rest safely in peace mate x

Peter, Merseyside,

I cannot begin to imagine what the parents of young Rhys are going through. It makes me weep to think of what has happened and I can barely read about it without crying. Rhys was a happy lad and not involved in these pathetic gangs and even though we shield our children, sad and horrific crimes involve the innocent families. I hope that the vile vermin that did this to Rhys are brought to justice. But, I can guess that the murderer who shot Rhys will be an underaged thug who will go to a correction facility for a couple of years and by the time that he turns 18 will be let out to continue his pathetic reign of terror. Rest in peace Rhys, you will never be forgotten. And to the parents, I'm sure that I am speaking on behalf of all caring and decent parents, you did a great job in bringing up Rhys and his short life was a happy one, he seemed a lovely lad and I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Take care.xx

R.Beech, stoke-on-trent, staffs

You folks that want to blame American culture for your country's violence need a reality check. I never worry about going to a soccer match (or baseball, basketball, football game) and having a riot break out. I mean, what is that about? Bloodshed over a stupid game?

No, blame your political leaders who have emasculated and left defenseless the honest man, while cherishing the criminal.

Go rent a copy of “A Clockwork Orange” and see what your future will be like.

Lawrence , Los Angeles, California, USA

Tony Volpe's reaction is of course typical of of the Left. Ignore the obvious and spin the information every which way but true. Every town and city the length and breadth of the country have festering shadowy groups of teenagers sullenly establishing a pecking order and putting in place their concept of how they will treat and be treated by their fellow citizens,
Confident in their immunity to the rules of an established democracy they are ratcheting up the tension and moving onwards and downwards into oblivion and taking us all with them UNLESS they are made to conform to our rules. It is so simple put the army on the streets, pull out all the ringleaders ( the ones that stand at the back ). Their parents seeing their offspring being pursued by armed soldiers will have them off the streets in no time, the parents will miraculously find all their weaponry and hand it in. Then you will need to have a programme of self advancement and self belief for that lost generation .

J Chambers, melton mowbray, uk

Don't suppose the other brother knows anything about the local gangs?? No .. his dad said they never got involved in any of the gangs. Didn't he ??

joe, Birkenhead, Liverpool

I dare say psychologists, psychiatrists and defence lawyers are already seeking mitigating circumstances for the as yet unknown perpetrator of this vile act. High on drugs, violent computer games, peer group pressure, dysfunctional family, abused as child, no youth club the list is endless. Nothing, but nothing can mitigate this vile act and it's time we were more ruthless with evil instead of constantly turning the other cheek and seeking to excuse it! God bless you Rhys and may your family know that your loss has touched the hearts of the nation and beyond. Let us see some light for the future from these hours of darkness!

R.B., Leicester,

Jay, you miss the point. The reason Rhys' parents were on tv was because nothing makes more of an impact that the sight of parents grieving the death of their child and hopefully it will prick the conscience of someone who knows the identity of the killer. A spokesperson would not have had the same result. You sound disappointed that they weren't sobbing inconsolably but I imagine they are functioning on autopilot at the moment and in total shock. Crying is the only way of expressing grief. I feel they behaved with the utmost dignity and that Rhys would be so proud of his parents. If there were more families like this, England would be a better place.

Anna , London ,

The perpetrator of this crime should give himself up, especially if he is a minor. All that will happen to him is a few short years in custody where he will be provided with food, accommodation and leisure time with a whole army of apologists and rabid human right activists ensuring that he spends the minimum amount of time there and is probably released with a new identity all provided by the poor beleaguered law abiding tax payer, two of which are Rhys’ parents the .

keith saunders, droitwich,

The unresponsiveness of the police in this country (as illustrated above) does appear to be a scandal but we need to understand the background. It would be fair to ask 'What on earth do they do with the huge sums of money they spend?' Let's do a few estimates. If a constable has a total cost including overtime, supervision, uniforms, housing allowances etc plus employer's costs (NI, pension, etc) of (say) £45k per year and two are needed on two shifts 7 days a week, the annual cost comes out around £270k, or the council tax of 200 average houses. However, most council tax goes on social services, not police. There are a lot of places where police could be usefully stationed and we have to be prepared for large tax increases if we want that service. Surely police authorities, instead of just saying no, should explain the economics of policing to those requesting more and ask them how much they would pay. (Assuming they do pay, of course.) The truth is poiice manpower is expensive.

colin f, Shrewsbury,

Roger Tilbury from Worthing, you have my vote!

Liz, Bordeaux, France

The gloves should come off and every thug or persistent criminal should feel the pain that their victims feel.
The Human Rights Act should be cut into a million pieces, and the police should be given what it takes to get this country back to being lawful. Parents who neglect to govern their children properly should be made to pay for any damage their childern cause, if they refuse, then lock them up. Never mind about jails being full, the majority of people don't give a toss about that.
Some of our judges should be sent back to school or sacked, many decisions they make are outrageous. If we want law, then we have to enforce it, with whatever means we have.

gilbert bolton, ashton, u.k

It is so very sad, what is happening in our society!

What goes on in the minds of these people!

Although there are many family breakdowns and
lack of role models, these crimes must not continue
and couuntries must enforce tough laws.......
It is too late already, when will it happen

My heart goes out to Mr Mrs Jones for the strengh
to carry on without their precious son. I hope they
can fight the justice system to impose punishments
to stop such terrible crimes and killings.

Here in Perth, we have the biggest "Ice" drug
fueled crimes and this could easily happen
to anyone anywhere............it is just not the UK


LC -Perth Australia

Linda , Perth, Australia

This is heartbreaking. This poor, little boy - there he was, a happy lad, playing football, and then he gets shot by some yobbos who want to know what it is like to shoot a gun and hurt others. The perpetrators of this horrible crime should be punished severely. People such as they have to know that they cannot commit such vile acts without retribution. I can't imagine what Rhy's parents are going through. So much promise wasted. All his new school clothes and books, left, unused, in his wardrobe. My sincere condolences to his family. My thoughts are with you.

Vivien , Calgary, Alberta, Canada

i just want to say how very sorry i am for the family and friends of this dear little boy. The interview that his parents did was so so sad and i think they were so very brave to be able to do it.

I do so hope that the person who did this is soon handed to the police.

Wendy, London, UK

what a waste of a young life! No one deserves to die like this.

pam , huddersfield,

I agree with Dylon. You made me think about the documentary film I saw in Paris this week "A very British Gangster" by the journalist D. MacIntyre. Yes, the underclass are born with the same intelligence but if they are not guided in the right direction and supported by their family they will become seriously defective human beings and a threat to our society. The people in power are the only ones who can do something about it so let's get a move on!

Folliard, Paris, France

The death penalty must be reinstated. It should not be used as a deterrent, but as a final solution to those who have taken away someone's right to life.

Why should a murderer's human rights be upheld? They have no rights.

Liberal minded, pandering human rights scum have made it so ordinary people are punished over and over by this unworkable system, while criminals who kill and rape children get a "life sentence" of only a few years.

Dan, Clifton, New Jersey

My heart goes out to Rhys' family and friends, I can't imagine what how they are suffering at the moment. When they catch the scum that did this, I just hope that the "it's not his/her fault, it was the upbringing" brigade don't start with all the nonsense. This is British crime at it's lowest form, child murder - and bringing up a child as I am now, I fear for what will happen in his future should the Government not act tough of ALL violent crime

Mark, Bognor Regis, UK

These thugs should be rounded up and put in the army. If they want to fight they can do it in Iraq.

deb atkinson, southport, merseyside

I can understand the anger which prompted David Birmingham to call for the death penalty to be reinstated. But it will not bring back Rhys Jones. And it has been proven that the death penalty does not in fact have the effect which David Birmingham so desires. It is nothing more than judicial murder and I believe that, as a society, the use of the death penalty diminishes us all.
At a time like this it's hard to find the words which may, in some small way, help Rhys's parents to come to terms with what has happened to them. No matter how much love, sympathy and support I express, it will not bring back their darling son. And as the mother of six children I can't for the life of me begin to understand their pain. It's incomprehensible. All I can say is that my thoughts are with Rhys's family.
Peace and love.

Michelle Cavanagh, Sydney, NSW, Australia

When ,oh when is the government going to take action against the yob culture in our society?. I am sickened ,and I cried when I heard the news .
Our society is clearly breaking down.
Action needs to be taken now...NOT TALKS.
We dont have enough police on our streets to enforce law ,for a start bring back the "BOBBY"ON THE BEAT.
Tackle gun crime NOW,make it a priority.before more mother`s, fathers , brothers sisters ,grandparents are left devastated by these murdes. No wonder people are leaving Britain. Our government has let us down. God Bless t little Rhys Jonesy family ,my heart aches for you. xxx

Caroline Smyth, Porthmadog , North Wales uk

My heart bleeds for this family. I live in Trinidad and Tobago where, sadly, there a similar occurrences on a far too regular basis. It's not just a Third World issue where the youth feel that their only choice is gangs and violence. Unless goverments develop programmes to provide the youth with realistic chances of success in life this all too sad tale will continue to be retold.

Elaine Francis-Lau, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Young thugs convicted for involvement in gun gang violence should be drafted to do Military Service, when they become adults of course.

W. Falconer, New York, USA

What a senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to the boys' family. Having a son myself, I can't even begin to imagine their heartache.

What has happened in the UK is a travesty. I remember a time when crime was rare, and the police didn't need to carry weapons. Decent citizens in the UK and abroad, have become hostages in their countries - subject to the will of criminals. Things have gotten out of hand. I believe our governments really don't know what to do now about the various hornets nests that they have allowed to thrive in our societies.

We need to start raising our voices (so that our leaders actually hear them), and demand that the disasters they have created with their ridiculous policies are cleaned up forthwith.

James Frances, Ottawa, Canada

The law should be amended so that headteachers can punish children for anti social behaviour, including corporal punishment as well as rehabilitation, by making them spend their weekends in old people's homes, hospitals and other institutions.That in itself would keep them off the streets. Lack of parental responsibilty is the biggest problem facing society. Selfish parents breed selfish and uncaring kids. Many parents today have no idea how to discipline their children and this reflects in children's behaviour everywhere we look. Parents should be fined the cost of an expensive family holiday if their children are caught with guns and knives.
Human rights bill needs to be amended to counter the evil and depraved gang culture in the United Kingdom, to favour those wronged, who face terror in their daily lives.
I pray for the soul of Rhys and all others murdered in this way and for the families they have left behind.

Please make the punishment fit the crime.

Marilyn Sheffield, Dubai, UAE

David Birmingham, do you infer that the blame lies with illegal immgrants? That is such a ridiculous non-sequitur that i am unsure whether to respond to it. What is the basis of your conclusion? And what do you say you would become when you move to another country? Oh of course: a "legal immigrant"! I dare say that illegal immigrants are busy running away from immigration and the police to trouble themselves with such crimes! It is better for us to focus on the moral fabric or lack thereof of our society. I therefore echo the words of Paul of Canada.

Annie, Cambridge, UK

I am sick with teenagers running amuck!
Gangs, bullying, crime, physical abuse, verbal abuse they are disgusting, embarrassing and really make this country look appalling!

Is there any connection between smacking being banned for the last few years and these children coming of age without any sense of moral?

I am 27 and 10 years ago at 17 I would have been just as appalled as I am today!

Bring back smacking and get tough early these children need to learn respect!

Now they are monsters!!!!!!

Kate Browne, Tonbridge, Kent

"Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad."
Thus Euripides (c. 485-406 B.C.). We must be mad: stark raving mad. We allowed the unrestricted import of gang culture and its associated weaponry and, fruitlessly obsessed with trying to be 'tough on the causes of crime', we became weak and lily-livered on crime ittself. Tough, really tough sentencing, strictly enforced deportation of all foreign-born criminals at the end of their sentence, long - really long - prison terms for mere possession of weapons and reintroduction of capital punishment for wanton murder may act as a deterrant. And a much less generous welfare system, which must act just as a safety--net, not as a life-long career (except for the severely handicapped). We all have a choice, between being useful human beings, capable and willing of supporting ourselves and our families by honest, productive means, or becoming criminals. At present, there is no disincentive to adopting the second alternative!

George Ross, London, UK

It is a horrible incident that has just happened in Liverpool. The worst thing about it is that it seems to have hit a youngster who hasn`t been involved in gang activity at all. However, the problem of gangs and musbehaving youngsters isn`t new to the UK. It is the responsibility of the government and the whole society to do something about the causes. This whole discussion shouldn`t stop with the arrest of a gunman.

Philipp reul, Cologne, Germany

When I was growing up in Britain I was knew my consequences by teachers and parents if I stepped out of line. Now its all about protecting children that Britain has simply forgotten and lost its 'social values, morals, community spirit'....Youths do not know where their 'boundaries' lie.....If harsher penalties and re-educating the youths are not addressed urgently, the state of Britain's gang gun crime and stabbings will only spiral into an even greater disaster than it already is. When is enough enough....

DC, London, United Kingdom

Putting the parents on TV - and I'm sure they would rather have been at home grieving privately - was to emphasise the impact of this appalling crime. It was done to strike home just how dreadful an act of violence this was. The boy's parents made the sacrifice to go public for the sake of their son, as the killers are more likely to be caught if viewers have an emotional reaction to what they see.

It was not in bad taste - it was necessary. In my opinion the police advised them absolutely correctly. Let's just hope that someone now comes forward.

Sal, Edinburgh,

Until the government put into place harsher sentencing for serious crime commited by youths this problem is going to escalate. I think that they should re-introduce the old style detention centers and borstal custody with tough boot camp style regimes to sort this out .The time has come where this country needs to get tough and stop blowing hot air about social stratergies and blaming everything on poverty and boredom we have a problem and it needs to be dealt with swiftly and positvly.I agree that those who supply guns to teenagers should also get tougher sentences that have some clout those who kill and supply guns should face 30- 40 years in custody without remission and the do gooders who keep trying to sweep this issue under the carpet need to but out and let us get back the respect from kids that we used to have . However I think that things have escalated to the point now where we have totaly lost it in this country and we are the sewer of Europe .

Gary Rowell, London, England

Another horrific crime and an innocent life lost. How much longer does the majority of our society have to stomach this spiralling gun culture and senseless killings. What measures is our goverment now going to take and what examples are they currently setting when the perpetrators, if convicted, are let back into society to kill/mame far too early. TOUGH ON CRIME, TOUGH ON THE CAUSES OF CRIME - does anyone in the government remember this strapline? Decent standards, discipline in schools and respect to our elders and people in authority has got to be inculcated into our children if we are to remain a civilized nation in the future. I feel sorry for the police, they cannot conduct their duties the way they used to and even youngsters 'know their rights'!

Kevin Hamblin, Bristol, England

I too send my sincerest condolences to Stephen and Melanie, they did not deserve this...

there should be zero tolerance to guns in this country, not an amnesty which hasnt worked for knives - a mandatory 15 year jail sentence for illegal possession plus any other offence the perpetrator was guilty of. The Human Rights Act would not be infringed in any way so we could enact this legislation without challenge.

then let's see who carries a gun

Rob, Macclesfield, Cheshire

Chief Officers of Police should now be mulling over the "Pat-a-Cake" game they have been playing with Juvenile Criminals these past years as their weakness is now coming home to roost.. Very few of the Police Chiefs now on the scene appear to have the courage and credibility of some of their predecessors such as Sir Percy Sillitoe(1888-1962) who smashed the Sheffield and Glasgow Gangs of the 1930's by forming teams of his biggest and fittest officers and allowing them to conentrate on those very troublesome gangs of that period, using force against force whenever necessary. This solved the problem during his tenure.

Robert Carmichael, ., Hull., East Yorks.,

My heart goes out to the family of this lovely little lad. Doesn’t this latest innocent life being wiped out re-enforce the view of most decent members of the public at what a cesspit this country has become? And what will the government do about it? Absolutely nothing as usual. Ministers will talk a lot, spend money on useless reports and do nothing else. Why would they? They are well protected and have our money. We need action now! The army returning from Iraq and reclaiming the streets plus the return of the death sentence is a start. But of course we won’t get that as it is not PC. It’s our fault for putting this joke of a government in power in the first place. Bring on the October election Mr Brown, so we can see the back of you and get someone who will actually earn their salary and give the streets back to the residence of this country

Phil C, London, UK

im so sorry for rhys family this is the most horrific crime ive heard of something needs to be done with the prisons nobody is scared of goig to prison as its just like home lifers are allowed computers designer clothes and have hidden phones if it was hard labour then i think people might think twice kids have far too many rights its time we took the guns off the streetsand give the kids something to do as its only going to get worse and it could be my child or yours next time dont be afraid to tell of these animals as themselves or their familys dont care because if they did that rat would now be in custody having a good time with his computer i think rhys mum and dad are the most couragous people in the world for givng a statement to the press the proberly just want to curl up and die i hope the bmx boys parents are having the worst nightmares i know he is there flesh and blood but he has took a life and to make it worehe is only 11 what could he possibly done to justify that !!!!!!

mrs natalie paterson, liverpool,

There are no words which will make this any better for Rhys' parents and family. This country is out of control. Parents should be held accountable for the crimes of their children, they should be forced to take responsibility for their children's actions. That poor sweet boy could have been anyone's child, it is clear that none of our children are safe, be it from guns or knives. Our streets are overrun with evil and something needs to be done. I am hoping that Gordon Brown will be the one to stand up for what is right and bring back morals and respect for others. My heart goes out to Rhys' parents for the loss of their very special boy.

KC, Basingstoke, UK

To the family and friends of Rhys Jones,
My heart goes out to you at this time; it is just too shocking that this has happened,
I know no words can ever comfort you or take this disgusting unnecessary pain away, but I will pray for you all and I hope you find peace in your hearts and know that Rhys will be resting safely and peacefully.

tish carroll, London, UK

Jay, what a terribly unfeeling and judgemental comment to make! Please understand that going on telly may be this families way of coping with the trauma they have experienced. It may make them feel more in control, like they are standing up for their son by sharing their grief. And please do not interpret their apperances as lacking grief, they were/are still in shock after what happened and they will the enormity of their loss every day for many years.

Pray for Rhys, pray for his poor family who needs all the comfort they can get.

Lone, London,

Jay, London. I cannot believe that you are criticizing his poor parents. Did you not watch the same interview I did? I felt sick thinking that they HAD to do that interview. Instead of wasting your time criticizing them Jay why don't you imagine being in their position or criticize whoever shot a defenceless 11 yr old boy. The only reason they did the interview was to appeal to whoever did this or who knows who did it to give themselves up. An interview with a police spokesman or some distant relative wouldn't have had the same impact.

I just hope you don't have to go through some as awful as that so that some idiot criticizes you for not being distraught or overcome enough. Get a grip.

E, Oxford,

I must admit I have to agree in general with David from Berkshire. We moved with our two children to Hong Kong in January where you feel totally safe at any time of the day or night. Violent crime is low, police carry side-arms, justice is swift and penalties are hard. The trouble with UK justice these days is that it's too easy to commit crime as you know if you get caught you will have a relatively easy time in jail and probably be out in a few years. For crimes such as this 'life' should mean 'life' and not five years in a holiday camp! My sympathies go out to Rhys's friends and family, their loss is just so sad.

M Roberts, Stanley, Hong Kong

More poeple have saleries paid to protect and sympathise with his killer, than help the victim and family.
Zero tolerence is the only answer. You start with litter and graffiti, and boy racers.

Peter Edwards, Oswestry,

Jay

Not a time for such comments.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family and friends. A waste of a life which had not even started.

RIP little Evertonian.

Name withheld, Douglas,

Bring back the death sentence before we tip into chaos. What are we doing to our county - these soft politicians and social do-gooders won't be happy until we have mayhem on our streets similar to Basra.

Our society is sick - get our errant young men to 'father their children' and set a good example to these kids. In my day I played with cap-guns that was good enough now they are playing with real ones. And children are dying.

Graham , Benfleet,

Being a father myself, I cannot image what Rhys's family is going through. I am SO SORRY. Sorry for you loss, but sorry that this pathetic government are not doing a thing to stop it.

Bigger punishments, bigger fines, and make the scum of this country crawl back under the rock from whence they came, and that means not voting Labour. This continual barrage of crime and pointless murders were not evident when Maggie was in power, and families such as Rhys, James Bulger are being failedon a daily basis.

Vigilanties will soon be the order of the day.

God bless you Rhys.....

John Gregory, Plymouth, UK

I too agree with David from Reading that this is not the England that once commanded respect throughout the world. Instead it seems that the reputation England is portraying these days to the rest of the world is that we live in an undisciplined, hooligan and gang-led society where decent families would not be caught dead in the country's towns after 730pm on any night of the week. My husband and I are fortunate that we have dual nationality and so will be heading off to Canada next year. It is just so terribly sad that the politicians in power do not step in and do something!

J Fleming, Lightwater, Surrey

Years of PC, do-gooders, the constant whinging about the rights of prisoners and laughable sentencing have nurtured a generation where atrocities like this are becoming far too commonplace. For all the shouting and running around that politicians and police chiefs will do on the problem of violence over the next few weeks ('til the heat dies down), getting this genie back in it's bottle will take decisions that nobody appears to want to make and nobody has the guts to implement even if they were made.

Steve Plows, Peterhead, Scotland

David from Birmingham - what was the point in launching into a speach about illegal immigrants and the death penalty? Concentrate on the issue - was it illegal immigrants who shot this poor little boy?... the US has the death penalty and there are is a ridulously high homocide rate over there. And once great nation - please!! Noone believes that anymore because everyone knows this country was build on slave labour and the raping and looting of other countries. Move on and if you hate England so much than please leave and stop moaning. There needs to be a CRACKDOWN ON GUNS to stop us turning into the gang-guns-and-murder culture of America.

Sam, London, UK

All the love in my heart and thoughts are with the family of Rhys Jones
Another young boy gone before truly enjoying the beautiful experience of a long adventure through life.
How much more of this evil behaviour must we endure in society worldwide ,where so often life has become invaluable by gun using thugs..Our streets have become unsafe to walk on after 9PM in many parts of the UK.
The government politicians need to take vital immediate action with gun and knife laws.
Introduce a tougher new law where whatever age ...one is caught with a gun automatic 20 years prison sentence. the present 5 year sentence is a joke!. Knife crime increase penalty to 10-15 years for carrying weapon with intent to use. If weapons are used with intent to kill automatic life 30 years term....we have all had enough of the sofly softly approach. I do not wish to live in a society that I will have to protect my family with guns as in Sth Africa and USA.

D.Rampling, London, uk

Everyone talks about what to do with these kids after they have killed another kid, no one has asked why a kid has access to a gun in the first place. Wouldn't it be better to go back to the begining and rewrite the gun/weapons laws . Wouldn't it be better to spend money finding the ways to stop kids being drawn to gangs, (gangs as substitute families, etc) than to spend millions of pounds housing these lost kids in prisons. All kids have potential. Why are we standing back and allowing a percentage of a whole generation of potential to be lost to us.

Clare, , Plummer, USA

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY SORRY,MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL YOUR FAMILY IN THIS SAD TIME,WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO WHEN YOUR KIDS CAN NO LONGER PLAY OUT.

LINDA RENNIX, northolt, middx london

The sad fact is that these'gang's across the UK are thriving on this media coverage and possibly scoring points in getting themselves in the newspapers& on television. In understanding this culture 'gun,gangs etc'.... the first thing we must do is to only give media coverage on the victim.
Mothers out there my heart goes out to you and I'm sorry for your loss.

karen, south london,

Jay, by appealing for information in person, rather than through a spokesperson, Rhys's parents greatly increase the chances of someone providing vital information sooner rather than later, if at all. They were simply doing the only thing they could for their son so tragically murdered for no reason. I am sure they were willing to appear before the press. Do not assume that grief can only manifest itself in weeping and wailing, it is possible to feel the deepest grief yet deal with it by taking some form of positive action, as I know from experience.
My heartfelt condolances go out to Rhys's family.

Cassie Berezai, Uxbridge, Middlesex

an audacious shooting in public, outside a pub to my mind shows how confident the assailant is in the community keeping quiet and not assisting the police in their inquiries. Its not down to the police to root out this gun culture, its down to local communities.

david, london, UK

Like the rest of the nation I am totally appaled by this horrendous crime. I too was very uncomfortable watching Ryhs's mum and dad on TV - however this is probably what we need to kick start a reacton across the country in order that the beginning of the end of this crime/gun culture can commence. If this happens Rhys's parents may be able to gain some comfort from the fact that other youngsters life's have been saved.
We need to start building more prisons right now. We need to recruit more police officers/social workers right now. We need to increase the size of both the stick and carrot massively. The sentencing for carrying guns and knives needs to be far tougher. In my veiw possessing a gun should be 10 years automatically and firing it - without hitting anybody - should be life. We should scale up rehabilitation in prisons greatly - with the proviso that you dont get out of jail ever unless you buy into rehab and can demonstrate you are fully equipped to rejoin society.

F Malcolm, Dundee,

My condolances go out to Rhys's family and friends for their sad loss.

I fail to understand how people can write into this and other HYS talking about anarchy in the UK and putting soldiers on the streets. They seem to have forgotten the Toxteth, Brixton and St Pauls riots in the early eighties. Those were as a direct result of police heavy-handed tactics. That was proper anarchy the likes of which we never want to see again. This country isn't in anarchy - it isn't even close. I drive through my town center and I dont see fighting in every doorway, bricks going through windows and petrol bombs landing underneath cars. I see people trying to get on with their lives, just like every other country.

Get real people. Stop believing everything you are told and start making up your own minds. Dave in B'ham, leave if you want - this country needs people with an open-minded, positive attitude that can think for themselves.

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

Round these thugs up and make them enlist in the army. Then they can be sent to Iraq and fight for their country.

deb atkinson, southport, merseyside

I was brought up in a society where meeting one's RESPONSIBILITIES earned certain RIGHTS.
Sadly we seem to live in a world now where the standard mantra is " MY RIGHTS ARE ... so you can't tell me what to do."

My very simplistic thought is that we need to turn things around again and get back to a society where responsibilities become the driving force.

Chris, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Here is a radical idea... how about scrapping the ID card scheme and using the money to put MORE police ON THE STREETS where they are clealry needed.

Andrew Brown, derby, UK

my thoughts and prayers are with little rhys's family, how devastating it must be, this country is going downhill fast, we have schools with their hands tied over discipline, a police force that would prefer to pull a motorist over a light that is out than to tackle these young criminals because they know that when they get them up in front of the judge his hands are tied because we dont have enough prisons? when they are put away they are treated in prison like decent living people that are on their holidays in a hotel! HUMAN RIGHTS what a joke the only people that seem to have any are these hideous vile criminals who more often than not dont have to pay for their solicitors which means the government (OUR MONEY ) pays for the best money can get! that is without all the foreign criminals we are allowing in we have quite sufficient of our own, i dont vote in the elections because there isn't a political party that can give me my country back so untill then i will have no vote!

mrs denise morton, newcastle-under-lyme, staffordshire

Yes this a truly sad and appalling story yet I am utterly dismayed with the bigotry comments above! Firstly there is nothing that links this case to illegal immigrants and to make the jump conclusion and say that they are responsible for bringing more crime to this country is just ludicrous. Similarly talks of bringing back the death penalty can only be spoken by the true ignorant. Just take a look at the US and tell me that it is a deterrent? And don't just take my word for it, research and studies have proven it too! This problem needs to be tackled at the root. There is obviously a serious problem with guns, gangs and violence amongst teenagers in Britain, however, this is symptomatic of a much larger problem, which cannot be solved with threats or intimidation (death penalty/army squads)
instead we need to look towards teaching tolerance, moral justice and basic human social skills in order to combat this anti-social behavior and the disconnectedness todays youth obviously feels.

Karina, London, UK

Yet another youngster killed on our streets and already the wailing from those with vested interests has begun. Underprivilege, unemployment, lack of opportunities - the same tired old reasons are once again trotted out by those purporting to speak for 'society'. The fact of the matter is that there are too many feral children and adults who are unaffraid of the law and of the police and who are also protected by the human rights act. Commit a crime such as those we have seen so much of lately and you forfit those rights. Indeed, I would go further and advocate the repeal of this ill concieved law with immeadiate effect regardless of how it may effect our standing within Europe. More police on the beat and a sight less understanding of the criminal and why he (and it is usually a he) commits his crimes is what is required, not yet more hot air blown out in the course of another summit on crime so beloved by our politicians (of whatever stripe). My thoughts are with Rhys' parents.

Andrew Harrison, Holmfirth, W Yorks

Mr Brown should have the honesty to restate labour’s policy on crime.

Weak on crime,
Tough on the victims of crime.

The pandering by the police and justice system to criminals, and the resultant carnage in our streets, is the legacy for which Mr Brown and his rich and trendy cabinet will be remembered- and deservedly condemned.

Doug, Glasgow,

" feel the need to point out, in amongst all of the usual 'hang em and flog em' brigade, that crime is actually at it's lowest for decades."
So that's alright then.

Mark Lyndon, London, UK

Yet another heartbreaking story of a young child gunned down by other children. However, to Stanley of Guilford, Surrey, we have our own problems. Toronto saw an 11 year old gunned down a month ago sitting on a fence at a cousin's birthday party. Until both of our legislators take drastic action to curb this violence it seems one is not safe anywhere. To Rhys' family my sincere condolences.

Jane Batey, Toronto, Canada

I can't understand why some people would move to the USA and Canada, as the gang culture and gun crime over there are much worse then in the U.K.

Mary, Toronto, Canada

Perhaps it is now time for the government to consider the banning of all violent computer games and violence on TV programmes other than news to be cut down. These set examples which young people and some children will follow. Is it great to shoot or stab someone to death other than in the armed forces on behalf of your country?
Publicise the good who help others rather than the selfish idiots who enage in hostility towards the young and old. Hold the good up as examples to follow and give them rewards of publicity.
Make sure that those who kill others have a life sentence with no remission or privileges. The prospect of a few years hard labour might put them off!

Peter Waring, Rushden, England

My heart goes out to the family of this lovely little lad. Doesn’t this latest innocent life being wiped out re-enforce the view of most decent members of the public at what a cesspit this country has become? What will the government do about it? Absolutely nothing as usual. Just like the dropping education standards, state of the health service, free to anyone that comes into this country but unable to treat those that have paid into the system all their lives. Ministers will talk a lot, spend money on useless reports and do nothing else. Why would they? They're well protected and have our money. We need action now! The army reclaiming the streets and the return of the death sentence is a start. But of course we won’t get that as it is not PC! It’s our fault for putting this joke of a government in power in the first place. Bring on the October election Mr Brown, so we can see the back of you and get someone who will actually earn their salary and give the streets back to the public

Phil C, London, UK

I wonder if J Chambers of Melton Mowbray is aware while advocating that we have the army on the streets that the total homicides in the UK of children between the ages of 5 and 16 for the year 2005 - 06 (the last complete set of figures) was 20 - less than half what it was in 1995. Also, about 40% of children dieing by homicide are killed by a parent.

Terrible events like the death of Reece, cause extreme reactions. We need to respond calmly and effectively to the gang culture, not propose martial law. Since the start of 2007, eight young people have been shot dead in this country. That is eight too many, but probably fewer than the average large American city has in a weekend.

Tony Volpe, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

I watched with tears wellling up in my eyes, the grief-stricken parents of this innocent eleven year old boy whose life was cut short in his non-age. This kind of thing only goes to show the deplorable state of the society.
How a government that so much boasts of venturing to restore democracy in iraq cannot even keeps its own children from becoming marauding gunrunners. How safe the streets are is now a question for debate. and it all boils down to those laws that are been passed and how the value of humanity have been sacrificed to a godless culture.
Poor rhys is only one of the many who have been made innocent victims of this depraved and godless culture whose values are fast fading thin into atrophy.
Can we not see the signs in the media, hollywood, even the internet, and i am not suprised how american culture has largely robbed the thinking of the average youth on the streets of britain
I am filled with grief at this,
God give rhys parents the strenght to bear the loss

A Abbis, Nottingham,

Reading this in America, you'd think I'd be used to tragic stories such as this one. I'm not. I'll never get "accustomed" to the loss of a promising young life. Please, Times readers, don't let your country become like America, where gunplay is viewed as heroic and nonchalant murder is more and more the norm. I would hope that the Everton Football Club will find a way to honor this young boy's life -- perhaps all the clubs could work together to send a message that gangs and gang violence bring today's youth nothing but tragedy.

Robert Young, Grand Rapids, Michigan USA

From someone who used the words "Stop casting your judgment over people" I suggest they practise likewise. Gang and gun culture have been here in the UK for more years than I have been alive, remember the Kray twins and the brutal underworld of the 1960's? It had nothing to do with America and I doubt this has either. The gun will most likely be european made and smuggled in from Europe not America. The problem lies with lack of discipline and values in homes and schools and punishments that do not reflect crimes committed. To try to blame America for our social problems is foolish and naive. Until we demand our government get toughter on crime and allow the authorities to do their jobs without having their hands tied by political correctness we can only expect more tragic events of this nature.

viv, London, england

"when he was shot three times in the neck"

not according to the police statement

Alex Hoy, Luton, UK

"Any study of this nation shows that virtually the entire population are 'imigrants' - the reason this nation is so great is because of our cultural diversity. "

This nation isn't great (which is NOT the fault of immigrants, by the way). I'll be leaving as soon as I can. Call me a coward, but I'd rather have a nice life elsewhere than suffer here just because I should "stick it out". I've stuck it out for long enough.

starling, Lancaster,

Gangs get away with this because they know the police are useless. Living in Ibrox , Glasgow for 4 years, I often reported criminal acts - gang fights in the street, property damage, doors being kicked in etc. Average response time was 3 hours, by which time the perpetrators had long gone. When I asked one policeman for an incident number so that I could check back and see if action had been taken, I was told "we don't do that any more." How many of these incidents were reported as crimes? In the end, I simply ignored anything that wasn't life-threatening as the police were not interested.
On witnessing an assault which took place in Glasgow City Centre, I asked a policeman why the 3 neds involved had not been caught. He told me there were only 3 police in the square mile area. The building I lived in was set on fire by rival gangs of neds and we had to be rescued by the Fire Brigade - no police action taken. Get them out of their comfy cars and offices and back on the beat. NOW!

Bob Leslie, Glasgow,

It's time to stop making excuses for the monsters who act in this way. Fear of getting caught and the consequences that will follow has worked in the past. Violence, mysogeny, guns and drugs are now celebrated as a lifestyle choice by a generation who have grown up without any concept of responsibility for their actions. We are reaping a bitter harvest from seeds sown in the past three decades. If the legal process cannot offer justice and protection to society then it is just a matter of time before we witness its collapse, and the rise of mob rule and vigilantism.

Philip Webster, Leigh, Lancs, UK

I have tears in my eyes hearing this news. i cant bear to think of what Rhys Jones familyis going through. If the killer is out there please turn yourself in.

uneesa alyas, Bristol, england

my thoughts and prayers go out to the jones family. this is deverstating news. This country is getting out of control. We need harder laws to stop this happening again.

All my thoughts and prayers go to Rhys and anybody who knew him xx

Jodie Verrall, crawley, england

Marni of Crouch End, how dare you exploit this tragic event to promote your own religious viewpoint - what has "more youth clubs and community development" got to do with faith anyway? At this time our thoughts should simply be with Rhys's family.

Hywel, London,

The death of this beautiful young boy once again bring another victim of gang violence to the front page of newspapers worldwide. There are no words I can say that could express just how sad I am for Rys's family and friends.

Gang culture is NOT exclusive to the USA - Jamaica, Mexico,
Eastern Europe etc. etc are all have serious issues with gangs - in fact one of the worst gangs, in the USA, is MS-13 that originated in Guatemala and "immigrated" to the USA. Thus there needs to be a global effort to stem the killing and violence & eventually minimize if not eliminate these criminal gangs.

I do agree that much of the hateful and violence & drug embellishing Hip Hop and Rap music,would have been banned long ago - if minorities were not involved it its making. There should be no place in ANY culture for this smut. Political correctness is once again the culprit here. We need to separate color from any acts that are inappropriate for the well being of ALL PEOPLE.

M. Lawlor, Florida, USA

BJ from London-

I am from Bootle, i was 14 when little Jamie Bulger was taken away and i remember the shock and pain after the incident but then the community spirit that rallied round to help and support the family afterwards.

I sincerely hope you were not implying that this type of thing only occurs in Liverpool?

Jay from London-

Is there a defined way you should grieve?

My deepest sympathies go to the Family of Rhys Jones.

May He Rest In Peace.

Richie Harrison, Bootle, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK

"I feel the need to point out, in amongst all of the usual 'hang em and flog em' brigade, that crime is actually at it's lowest for decades. "

Owen, London

Owen you must be one of those people who believe gov't statistics. To avoid despair, that is probably the right thing to do. England's vast underclass are born with the same intelligence as the rest of us, but due to the pressures of rampant capitalism, dreadful parenting and the lottery of comprehensive schools, by the time they are able to walk and speak, they are already addicted to junk food, z list celebrities, and have a vocabulary of "bruv", various swear words, and "innit" and these are usually delivered in ear splitting tones. By the time they are adults, they have become seriously defective human beings with very little chance of rehabilitation. However, they needn't worry as our state benefits are very generous and if they need to be incarcerated, it won't be for very long.

Dylan, london,

As I write this, I am hearing a vicar on the radio saying we need more youth clubs and community development. Come on, Vicar - this is the brave new secularist world. It is no good Professor Dawkins rattling on about reason when science itself - the public understanding of quantum science he sneers at- behaves in ways that challenge human reason. No, this is the reality of a world that has lost faith.

Marni, Crouch End ,

As a father of four children of Rhys's age I can only imagine how his family feel at this momment. I am sad and angry. Some mother or father out there knows who did this and they should be ashamed of themselves having raised the monster responsible. It is time to stand up and say enough is enough and stop the sick element of this society who do not value what is most precious in this world - the life of a young child. Let Rhys be the last and may his sad death bring us all back to a sense of what is right and what is wrong. I hope that everyone will keep Rhys's family in their thoughts. God bless you Rhys.

Ciaran Coffey, Dublin, Ireland

poor little rhys what a terrible waste of life and for no apparent reason but malice. the murderer, if caught, should spend the rest of his life in prison no matter what age he is. my heart goes out to rhys´ parents and older brother.

john dillon, marbella, spain

I write this with tears in my eyes as I have an eleven year old daughter about to start secondary school and I cann't bear to think of what Rhys' family is going through.

Humanist British society has a spiritual and moral vacuum and until the inner need is met endless threats of more laws are empty and ineffective and do not deal with the heart of the problem.

Keith, Bishop's Stortford,

I agree with you David from Reading. We are moving with my wife to Canada. UK become lawless and dangerous place for normal people.

Stanley, Guildford, Surrey

The death sentence makes little or no difference and what do you do when you find you executed trhe wrong person?

Bring in the old American system of sentences such as 99 years, maximum remission 20. Make life really mean life. And served in something like Alcatraz used to be - not in a rest home. If you have got the wrong person release them with £1 million per year of being wrongly locked up. Let them commit suicide by any means they choose (any innocent ones won't do so but an eighteen year old faced with 70 years might).

Let's stop jailing solical criminals who are no threat to the community like Archer, Sauders and Aiitken (the community service program can be used for them) and make room for the violent criminals. Prison was invented more to protect us from them than to punish them.

Roger Tilbury, Worthing, England

(who if I were them would have been far too distraught and overcome with grief)

Dont start Jay. People cope with shock and grief in different ways. Stop casting your judgment over people. The more we as a society remain shocked by this, reminded by these parents grief of such horrors, the more chance we have in stopping this country turning further into a mirror of America. A crass, gun ridden, childish country whose answers to everthing revolve around guns. You watch the number of idiots who will appear in this thread today to suggest precisely that with all sorts of dumb figures to support their case. The innocent pay with their lives for that hollywood styled gang culture.

ENOUGH of american culture. Please.

God bless Rhys family.

AF, London,

David - so you react to difficult circumstances by leaving?

Any study of this nation shows that virtually the entire population are 'imigrants' - the reason this nation is so great is because of our cultural diversity.

We have always had a lawless element - get used to it, go past it and try to make it better.

Bill Bird, Wallasey, Wirral

Yet another innocent, dead.

The rule of law no longer exists in England.

Whittaker, London, UK

l am afraid this is what the world is. We want to do what we want never mind anyone else!! No one wants the discipline, but we all want the results. Alcohol, drugs, weapons, so-call freedom are all embraced by the world. Real freedom means to be able to live a life full of purpose, love, joy, peace, God fearing, clear conscience. The world is lacking on conscience when everyone thinks that they deserve a pat on the back when they approve of abortion, euthanesia, same sex union, one parent family, and other depraved desires. Expect the world to go down the path of destruction from here on. People dont want to think there is a right and wrong. When you dont stand for something, you fall for anything. lt is time to wake up and change or families will suffer the pain and grief of untimely deaths, abductions, terrorism, divorce, and the list goes on and on. We have to look at the big picture and see the consequences of our actions. We have not learn from the Bulger's murder!!

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

1993 - Jamie Bulger - Bootle (another part of Liverpool)

BJ, London, UK

"Two teenagers, aged 14 and 18, were arrested yesterday as speculation grew that Rhys had inadvertently fallen victim to a gang feud. They were released on bail last night."

You would think that if the police are pretty sure that these two teenagers are involved they shouldn't be out on bail possibly, bragging to their friends. I don't know what the law is at the moment and maybe the courts have to release them. If so the law needs changing pretty quick. God knows what the parents (and other worried parents) must feel about the teenagers being out on the streets.

Paul, Perth, Australia

How pityful that Rhys parents are being slated for making the brave decision to appeal on television. It was quite obvious to me that Rhys' death had devastated and broken them. Watching the interview on BBC on line I could feel the pain in their eyes. If your child is killed you must feel a huge drive to do what you can. Look how much the McCanns have done for Madalaine and there are many other parents who will do AYTHING they can to help. This is a time to support Rhys' family. I have seen many grieving families and people all grieve differently yes some can't talk or move with grief others take longer for the reality to sink in, its so sudden and so unexpected I am not suprised. I just hope those of you who are critical never get to feel those feelings of loss and pain that will never go away.
To Rhys family I pray you find the strength and courage to keep going and that Rhys' death becomes a symbol for change. Something needs to help our youth change!

Alexandra, St.Helens,

I feel the need to point out, in amongst all of the usual 'hang em and flog em' brigade, that crime is actually at it's lowest for decades. We haven't been this safe for quite some time, and yet the fear of crime seems to be reaching an epidemic.. IMO the only difference these days is that there's a few idiots willing to go to any lengths to prove how big and hard they are.

Owen, London, UK

The fabric of British society is rapidly disintergrating. Little value is placed on social wealth & well being - too many kids grow up without fathers present in the home; the pubs are full, and the churches empty. Britain has become a Godless place, without even the spiritual bare basics to hold together a social order.

Paul, Vancouver, Canada

Looks like gun control works in the UK.........................
Law abiding citizens (parents) unable to defend from or deter attack by criminal scum.
Disgusting.

Michael , Milton Freewater, U.S.A. / Oregon

Yet another sad story. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The media should work together to change this society.
The government should accept blame and now act to bring back discipline in the family, schools, society and the police force should take a zero approach to all crime.

How many more people will die before action is taken?

Sue, Southampton, Uk

My heart goes out to the whole family, what an awful unbelievable tragedy.

I don't have an answer but I feel the problem may be that the children committing these crimes need to believe that the future holds something for them - at present it seems they feel that the only way to make anything of themselves is to 'prove' themselves in a bad way. These children presently have no real hope of betterment, employment or belonging within society and I think this is a problem which needs to be addressed through education and provision of places for them to go where they are made to feel valued.

Violence is not the answer to violence, give these children some hope instead of condeming them to this way of life.

Susie, Malton,

I feel that these children who are killing children are being influenced by violent movies and video games and also the American culture. Violent games and movies should be banned. Those making money from these violent movies and games should be fined.

What is happening in the homes of these kids - are the parents paying any attention at all to what their kids are getting up to? What are these parents like - what is the home life of these child killers like? It all goes back to the parents, the home life, the lack of respect for other people, their lives, their things.

I find it hard to believe that a normal child would plan and exucute a crime like this one. There is so much more to it and the Government and the police should be finding out what is causing this lack of respect for human life. Even the life of the killer - it's over when he (they) are caught - don't they think of the consequences before they commit the act? Why don't they care?

Anne Bell, Mannheim, Germany

This week I've sent my 11 year old son to high school, sadly Melanie and Stephen won't get that oportuntity as it has been taken from them, like their loving son. My thought and prayer go out to them, and their family and friends. This gang culture MUST STOP!

Caroline, Fife, scotland

It saddens me to see the path this country seems to be taking. Rhys should have been safe to walk the streets at 7.30 in the evening - he wasn't we should be asking why!! We should be targeting the people who put the guns into the hands of teenagers and not making their lives cushy once they have been caught. Once caught the person will no doubt be given the best education, fed watered and eventually let out under an assumed name. What about the victim?

Rest in peace little Rhys my families thoughts are with your Mum and Dad, word can not say how they must be feeling at this moment in time.

A mum of 2 - Scotland

caroine gannon, carnoustie,

OH DEAR~!!! My sympathy goes to Mr and Mrs Jones. I am in fact speechless when I read this news. How could this young and innocent boy became the victim of this gangsterism?
Let us pray for Rhys and his family.
I hope those crooks responsible for this crime will be caught and tried as soon as possible.

Henry, Kedah, Malaysia

Agree with JChambers! Time to realise that Ian Blair's "softly softly" approach he advocates doesnt work. Learn fr other examples: NY Mayor Giuliani cut crime on an unprecedented scale with ZERO-TOLERANCE. In Seattle youth crime was cut immensely by imposing STRICT LIABILITY for kids' crimes on their parents - surprisingly they started to care when the authorities threatened them with fines/prison! Channel4 recently broadcast programmes where a black journalist proved that rap-culture has destroyed black youth in UK-so BAN IT! If we could stop white racist music reaching shops/media, it must be possible to stop black racist and violence-promoting music to do the same! The fact that our police is less armed than the criminals in our streets hardly frightens these animals either - put ARMED POLICE on the streets! And move council estates out of town & give tenants travel cards for working hrs and no more free flats for teenage mums! Stop human rights nonsense-breach duties u lose rights!

Robert, London,

Our deepest sympathies go out to Rhys's parents, family and friends...

The time for acceptance is at an end... The government MUST take action to rid this type of culture from our communities...

Nobody should live in fear of gangs who use violence and intimidation to get their kicks...

Parents of teenagers must also take more responsibility in their childrens actions outside of the home...

R.I.P little Rhys Jones...

S McC, Liverpool,

And the police is this country happily arrests people using the broadband connection of others. Sheesh! Somehow I think they have their priorities mixed up...

Robert, Ipswich,

I can't really stop crying. And at the same time I feel like throwing up. Saying you're sorry for their loss doesn't quite cover it. It sounds so hollow, but what are you supposed to say, when this happens. He sounds like a wonderful little chap and I am sorry he's gone. I am going to go and hug my 11-year old brother now.

S, London, UK

Yes an appalling tragedy but was I the only one to feel just a teeny bit queasy that before the child was even cold, the parents were on the telly being interviewed.

The same message (we have got to catch the killer, please give all the information you can, the child was a little angel etc) could easily have been got across by a police spokesman or other family member. Instead, I saw parents (who if I were them would have been far too distraught and overcome with grief) being paraded for all to see.

Jay, London,

there is no alternative now but to put the army on the streets. No more Polly Toynbee led Guardianistas wringing of hands in the well off insulated champagne socialist enclaves of this country. Bring them back from other peoples problems across the world and empower them to teach this dangerous culture a lesson they would never forget. Widely shown army snatch squads in action would put these feral monsters into an overnight conversion to normality.

J Chambers, melton mowbray, uk

I send my love, hope and comfort for the Rhys's family. this just shows how out of control this country now is, its lawless and I for 1 have had enough, i dont want my son and daughter to grow up in a society full of illigal imigrants bringing more crime to this once great nation. now this country is a lawless place to be and i am moving away from this crime ridden hole before someone shots my children. the government needs to get a grip and sort it out before another 200,000 brits leave this year. What a joke this place has become. Soon, we will be to scared to leave our own homes for the fear of getting shot in the back like poor little Rhys, an inocent 11 year old boy who had his whole future taken away from him BRING BACK THE DEATH SENTANCE and see how many people risk killing and getting court.

David Birmingham, Reading, Berkshire

48 arrested last year, it just wasn't enough.

Ken, Wollongong, Australia

I am truly disgusted in the gang culture that is so apparent in today's society! I pray that Rhys's family take comfort from their son's spirit! Remember the good times, hold them dear; no one can ever take them from you x

CFarrell, Warrington,