Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Police urge criminals to ‘check conscience’ and abandon gunman who killed 9-year-old boy | UK News
Criminals in Liverpool have been urged to abandon the gunman who killed a nine-year-old girl as he chased his intended target into her home.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel died on monday night When a 35-year-old man, family unknown, ran into her terraced house in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, as he tried to flee from a gunman.
Her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, was shot in the wrist while trying to close the door with the gunman while Olivia stand behind her.
Constable director Serena Kennedy said: “I would like to take the opportunity to appeal to members of the criminal syndicate and ask them to examine their conscience as they will have important information that can help us.
“The killing of a nine-year-old is an absolute tragedy and transcends all boundaries, and I want to urge them to do the right thing so we can put this person behind bars.”
She added: “I know that the murder of Olivia has rocked our community, who are absolutely furious and outraged that such a heinous crime has taken place here on the streets of Merseyside. .
“The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are renowned for their compassion and staying together in times of crisis, and I know that in our community, everyone is looking to help their families in any way they can.
“This is not the time for anyone who knows who is responsible for this shooting to remain tight-lipped.
“It’s time for our communities to work with us and make Merseyside a place where the use of guns on our streets is completely unacceptable and those who use them suffer. responsibility.”
Detective Superintendent Mark Kameen said Olivia was at home with her two siblings and mother when Ms Korbel opened the door after hearing gunshots outside.
He said one character, wearing a padded black jacket, a black tank top with a top, dark pants and black gloves, fired shots at two men walking along. Kingsheath Avenue, causing them to flee.
One of the men ran towards the open door of Olivia’s house and tried to find his way in.
Mr Kameen said: “As that was going on, the gunman followed the man to this property.
“That person has also attempted to force the property and has managed, it will appear, hands through the open door as Cheryl continues to try to close it.
“A shot was fired that we believe hit Cheryl, injuring her and then injuring Olivia. At the time, we believed Olivia was right behind Cheryl.”
Olivia was taken by officers to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital but later died.
The man who entered the family home suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and, as Olivia lay dying, was picked up by friends driving a dark Audi and taken to the hospital.
That car was seized by the police.
According to principal Rebecca Wilkinson, Olivia went to St Margaret Mary’s Catholic School in Huyton, where she was considered a kind, helpful and cheerful little girl.
She said: “Olivia is a very popular member of our school. She has a beautiful smile, a lovely sense of humor and a vibrant personality.
“She is kind and will go out of her way to help others.”
The murder happened exactly 15 years after 11-year-old Rhys Jones was shot and killed in Croxteth, Liverpool.