Rhys was killed as he walked through a pub car park

Rhys, 11, was shot dead as he walked across a car park in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, in August last year.

His inquest reopened in Liverpool and was told that Merseyside Police's investigation was progressing well.

The five-minute hearing, which was attended by Rhys's parents, Stephen, 44, and Melanie, 41, was adjourned again until 29 April.

Addressing the leading detective, Supt Dave Kelly, Coroner Andrew Rebello said: "I am pleased to see there has been significant progress and there are further lines that need clarifying."

He asked the officer if a further 10 weeks would give police enough time to advance the case.

"I expect we will make progress," he replied.

Rhys was hit by a bullet in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth Park and died at the scene.

He had been walking home from football practice and police believe he was the innocent victim of a gangland feud and the killer had another target.