No charges yet over Jessie murder

Jessie was shot dead as he cycled through a park in Manchester

There is not enough evidence to charge anyone in connection with the murder of schoolboy Jessie James, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

The 15-year-old was shot dead as he cycled through a park in Moss Side, Manchester, in September 2006.

Two men were arrested last month when a new witness came forward during an inquest into the teenager's death.

But Manchester CPS said there was insufficient evidence to charge either of the suspects.

Numerous appeals

The men, a 20-year-old from Hulme and a 21-year-old from Old Trafford, have been released without charge.

Manchester coroner Nigel Meadows has been told of the decision so that the inquest, which was adjourned when the witness came forward, can be resumed.

A mural was created in tribute to Jessie

There have been numerous appeals from police, Jessie's family and community leaders in Moss Side for people to come forward with information about the youngster's killing but with little success.

Police believe that the identity of the killers is widely known in the community, but people are too scared to say anything.

Reviewing lawyer John Lord, head of Greater Manchester CPS Complex Casework Unit, said: "Having reviewed all the evidence given to me, I have decided on the evidence provided so far that it is insufficient for a realistic prospect of conviction and does not justify the charging of either suspect in connection with Jessie's murder.

He said he could not go into the details of the evidence.

Mistaken identity

He added: "All I am prepared to say is that aside from a question of admissibility in relation to one of those arrested, there are serious contradictions and inconsistencies contained in the latest evidence which would undermine a prosecution."

He said the decision would be reviewed if further evidence came to light.

Police believe Jessie's murder was a case of mistaken identity and that he was "in the wrong place at the wrong time" but his mother claims he was killed for refusing to join a gang.

The youngster was shot three times with a semi-automatic pistol as he cycled to a party.

CCTV footage showing people cycling away from the murder scene was released in a bid to help catch his killer along with a £20,000 reward for information.

Officers have promised unprecedented levels of witness protection to anyone who comes forward.