Rhys was a devoted Everton supporter

Owen Jones, aged 17, was flanked by four friends as he left a large bouquet and an Everton football club rug.

Ten people have been arrested over the killing - four have been bailed.

There are six people in custody on suspicion of murder, four males, one aged 16, one aged 15 and two aged 19, plus two girls aged 15 and 18.

Those who have been bailed by Merseyside police include an 18-year-old man and three boys, two aged 15 and one 14-year-old.

Police have confirmed they have spoken to a woman seen pushing a pram near the Fir Tree pub just before the shooting.

Terrible shock

Prayers have also been said in churches across Liverpool for Rhys who was killed on Wednesday evening near the pub in Croxteth.

Reverend Doctor David Leslie, vicar of St Cuthbert's Church, which is near to where Rhys was shot in Croxteth, said it had all been a "terrible shock".

He added: "We'll pray for Rhys of course, and we'll be thinking very much of his mum and dad, and all those close to them.

"I think everybody is absolutely devastated by what has happened. It's been a terrible shock and in some ways it seems almost unreal.

Black armbands

On Saturday nearly 40,000 football fans paid tribute to Everton-mad Rhys with a minute's applause at Goodison Park.

Rhys was shot as he walked home after football practice

Everton players, and their opponents Blackburn Rovers, wore black armbands as a mark of respect to the boy, who had been playing football outside the Fir Tree pub shortly before he died.

Rhys's parents, Melanie and Stephen, and his brother, Owen, stood with Everton manager David Moyes as cheers erupted from the crowd.

The Justice Secretary Jack Straw, speaking on BBC News 24, said the issue could not be dealt with by the government and police alone, and urged anyone with information to come forward.

"I think that everybody has accepted now this is an issue beyond politics," he said.

Suspect injured

Detectives are treating the inquiry into Rhys's death as Category A Plus - the "most serious" of crimes.

We have ways of protecting members of the public who come forward with information Ch Supt Chris Armitt, Merseyside Police Parents speak of loss

Rhys "was in the wrong place at the wrong time", police have said.

Det Supt Dave Kelly, the senior investigating officer, said his bike-riding teenage killer emerged from an estate at the back of the Fir Tree pub.

He said that the boy cycled at the back of the pub for a few minutes before firing three bullets in Rhys's direction - one of which passed through the boy's neck.

Chief Superintendent Chris Armitt said residents must "examine their consciences" and take a stand against gang culture.

Speaking at a press conference near the spot where Rhys was shot, Ch Supt Chris Armitt said: "We understand that people are concerned about giving information to the police, we understand that people are frightened.

"[But] what I want to say to people is, listen, they've got to stand up and they've got be counted.

"We have ways of protecting members of the public who come forward with information, we can protect their identity."