Two arrested in connection with Rhys Jones shooting

Two teenagers have been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones, Merseyside Police said today.

The 16-year-old male and an 18-year-old, who are from Croxteth, Liverpool, were arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms and ammunition.

A police spokeswoman said: "These are two new arrests. They have not been arrested for the murder of Rhys Jones."

The two males were taken to separate police stations in Merseyside where they

will be questioned by detectives, police said.

The pair were arrested after officers found two firearms after searching a property in Sword Walk, Croxteth, on September 30.

Rhys Jones was shot in the neck by a hooded youth on a mountain bike as he walked home from football practice in the Croxteth area on August 22.

No-one has been charged with the Everton FC fan's killing, despite 18 people being arrested. Today's arrests in connection with the investigation bring the total to 20 people.

Detectives are investigating one theory that the bullet was fired by a teenage gang member aiming for a rival.

Shortly after Rhys was murdered the Government announced a crackdown on gun crime in four UK cities, including Liverpool.