Rhys murder pair are refused bail

Rhys Jones was shot in the neck as he crossed the car park

Two men charged in connection with the murder of schoolboy Rhys Jones have been refused bail, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The 11-year-old was shot through the neck as he walked home in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, on 22 August 2007.

Lawyers for Gary Kays and Melvin Coy, who are both 25 and charged with assisting an offender, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

After the hearing, a CPS spokeswoman said the bail application was refused.

Kays, of Mallard Close, Liverpool, and Coy, of Abbeyfield Drive, Liverpool, are expected to stand trial alongside five others later this year.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder.

James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth, and a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old who cannot be identified, are also charged with assisting an offender.

A second 17-year-old is charged with assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition.