Police investigating the murder of the 11-year-old Liverpool boy Rhys Jones have released CCTV footage of the suspected killer.

The hooded youngster was captured on camera, cycling around the Fir Tree public house in the Croxteth area of the city moments before and after Rhys was shot in front of the pub while walking home from football practice.

The images have been enhanced by experts, who have been working on the recordings since the murder, on August 22.

Merseyside Police are also speaking to leading international organisations with the aim of carrying out further enhancements.

The murder will feature on the BBC One Crimewatch programme, where Rhys’s mother, Melanie, 41, will make a direct plea to the killer’s own mother, saying: “She must know it is him, or she must have some suspicion.

“Even for his own safety, she should hand him in. We can’t rest or try to move on without this person being brought to justice or being caught.”

Senior Investigating officer Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly said: “These images may be grainy but we are sure that if this is your son, grandson, brother, friend or neighbour, you will recognise them from this footage.

“The moving footage on the show will be particularly revealing, as you will be able to see the cyclist’s mannerisms and movement.

“We are making steady progress with this investigation and are following some strong lines of inquiry. We are also speaking to international experts about further enhancement of the CCTV.

“The offender and any others involved in this need to know we are determined to prosecute those responsible. We are doing everything possible to build up a strong evidential case, which will put those responsible behind bars.”

Police have so far arrested 17 people in connection with the murder, 15 boys and two girls. Of these, 12 have been bailed and five released without charge.

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