Jury sees photos of gun allegedly used to kill Rhys

A jury saw pictures of the gun allegedly used to kill the schoolboy Rhys Jones yesterday. Liverpool Crown Court was told the Smith and Wesson .455 revolver was found in the loft space of a house in Croxteth, Liverpool, a month after Rhys, 11, was killed.

The police search, at an address which cannot be identified, also found a second gun – a converted imitation Walther PPK self-loading pistol - and a bundle of ammunition, the court heard.

Sean Mercer, 18, of Croxteth, Liverpool, denies murder. The prosecution says Mr Mercer cycled to the Fir Tree pub and fired three shots across the car park at alleged members of a rival gang. The jury has been told the second bullet struck Rhys. The prosecution later called as a witness a 16-year-old relative of Mr Mercer, who cannot be identified, and who refused to give evidence.Questioned by Neil Flewitt QC, for the prosecution, he repeatedly replied: "No comment."

Told by the trial judge, Mr Justice Irwin, that he had a duty to give evidence, the boy said: "I'm not prepared to give evidence against a family member."

The boy was held in contempt of court and told to report back to court on Monday with legal representation.

The trial continues.