A TEENAGER charged with the murder of schoolboy Rhys Jones has made his first crown court appearance by video link.

The 17-year-old cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Rhys, 11, was shot dead last August in the car park of The Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, Liverpool, as he walked home from football practice.

Six others charged with assisting an offender in connection with the murder also appeared by video link. They were James Yates, 20, from Croxteth, and Gary Kays, 25, and Melvin Coy, 24, both from West Derby, Liverpool, along with two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old who cannot be identified. One 16-year-old is also charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The trial is likely to start on October 2. All seven were remanded in custody until June 30.