Fifteen-year-old arrested over murder of Rhys Jones

Detectives investigating the killing of 11-year-old Rhys Jones have arrested a 15-year-old youth on suspicion of murder.

The development followed the search of a woodland adjoining Croxteth where Rhys was gunned down by a youth on a BMX bike. Divers joined the search for evidence at Dam Wood yesterday, which began after police received what has been described as "credible" information from the public. The woodland is known to contain three large ponds.

A Merseyside police spokesman said: "I can confirm a 15-year-old local boy was arrested on suspicion of murder this morning."

He described the arrest as "new". Ten other youths have already been detained in connection with the murder over the past week, with six bailed and four released without charge.

Last night police marked the one week since Rhys's murder by stopping motorists and members of the public outside the Fir Tree public house where he was killed to distribute leaflets appealing for information. The leaflets have been supplied by Tesco, where Rhys's parents Melanie, 41, and Stephen, 44, are employed.

The coroner also made an appeal for information as he opened and adjourned the inquest into Rhys's death. Andre Rebello said: "This is a tragedy which has not only destroyed a family but it has destroyed a community and it has caused national public outrage. For any right-thinking person or any right-thinking family it would be difficult to live with any knowledge of Rhys's death without sharing the information."

Det Ch Insp Dave Kelly of Merseyside Police told the court: "It is important to say we have had a significant response from members of the public. But there are people who hold key information and no doubt know the identity of the offender and we would urge them to come forward."