Rhys Jones’ parents and childhood pal speak out about murder ahead of new ITV drama

THE devastated parents of Rhys Jones have spoken out, saying their pain over the 11-year-old's death will "never go away".

Mel and Steve Jones revealed they would never have closure, despite the culprits behind the young schoolboy's death being put behind bars, as they would never have what they wanted most - their son back.

Footie-mad Rhys was killed when he was shot in the back on his way home, caught in the crossfire in a gang shooting 10 years ago.

His tragic story, and the fight to bring his killers to justice, is now being examined in an ITV documentary Little Boy Blue, with his parents heavily involved in the new drama.

Mel and Steve told "We spoke openly to the programme makers about what we went through because we wanted to let Mercer and the others involved in Rhys’ murder know that our sentence never ends."

Sean Mercer was found guilty and sentenced to a life behind bars over the murder of young Rhys in December 2008, with The Sun recently revealing he was "frantic" to be moved to a cushier prison.

He will be played by Paddy Rowan in the documentary.

Nathan Quinn was jailed for two years for his involvement in Rhys' murder while Francis and Marie Yates were also put behind bars for perverting the course of justice.

Mel, Steve and their son Owen were closely involved in the making of the four part documentary about the case, saying they were left in tears after watching the documentary around their son's death.

The role of their beloved son will be played by Sonny Beyga.

Speaking out ahead of the documentary about the case, best friend of Rhys Jones Connor Irwin said he wanted to keep his childhood friend's memory alive.

Now 21, he told : "If Rhys was still here he would be just the same.

"He'd be a good lad with loads of mates, maybe a professional football player."

He said that he tried to go to the grave of his childhood pal every year, including for events including birthdays and Christmases.