Detectives investigating the death of 11-year-old Rhys Jones said today they had found a gun they believe was the murder weapon.

The gun is one of 108 removed from the streets since the schoolboy was murdered in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, six months ago.

Officers also revealed today they know the make of bicycle used by the gunman who left Rhys dying in a pool of blood on August 22 last year.

Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, leading the investigation, said: "We are following a number of positive lines of inquiry."

He said the bike they want to trace is a Specialized Hardrock mountain bike, adding: "Witnesses described it as having a silver frame, black forks and a black seat.

"I'm appealing to anyone who may have seen anyone riding this type of bike in the area following Rhys's murder to contact us.

"I am also appealing to anyone who may know where this bike is now to come forward."

Detectives believe the bike was left, along with another, on a football playing field in Parkview Road, Croxteth, at around 8.30pm on the night of the murder.

Mr Kelly went: "I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about them, to contact the incident room. Their information could prove vital."

Commenting on the prime suspect, whose name is widely known in Liverpool, Mr Kelly said he was fully aware that there has been speculation about the name of a potential offender.

He said: "However, we require evidence to present any case and progress it through the courts.

"We have a clear strategy for this investigation and we are determined to leave no stone unturned."

Rhys's parents, Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, today issued a statement saying: "The last six months have been a living nightmare. All we want is justice for our son."

As part of the inquiry, 20 people have been arrested - 17 on suspicion of murder. Four are on bail and others are police witnesses.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and are on police bail and another person is on bail on suspicion of assisting an offender.