People in Liverpool are standing together to mourn the death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel as she was laid to rest.
A sea of pink gathered outside St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Knotty Ash for the funeral of the schoolgirl on Thursday, September 15. The beautiful service started with a eulogy read out by Olivia's mum Cheryl Korbel, 46, who said she will "never say goodbye" to her daughter.
The second reading during the hour-long service was read out by Olivia's sister Chloe, from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel's sister gives funeral reading over 'life and death'
Chloe read: "The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord."
A eulogy from Olivia's dad John Francis Pratt was also read out by parish priest Father Roy Cooper. He described "our very own little diva" and said Olivia was kind, caring and helpful.
In her eulogy, Cheryl Korbel said: "Liv touched so many people's hearts and was loved and adored by everyone. She will never be forgotten. I will never say goodbye but what I will say is goodnight, love you, see you in the morning."
In a homily, Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon said Olivia was a "gift to her family and all who knew her".
He said: "In St Paul's words, let us comfort one another with words of faith - faith in each other, faith in God and faith in the belief that Olivia's untimely death will lead to a community here in Liverpool without violence, that it will become a place of peace and justice."
Nine-year-old Olivia died after being shot in the chest at her home on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, on Monday, August 22. The founder of charity Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft, has offered a £50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for her death.
People who could not attend the service for Olivia in person took to The ECHO's Facebook comments to pay tribute and leave kind messages of support for the schoolgirl's family.
Vernon Shaw said: "Another innocent life taken away by gang culture it won't stop until people say enough is enough "STOP THE ROT NOW" RIP Olivia condolences to your family and friends."
Susie Murphy said: "Heartbreaking this. No one should ever go through this it's so sad her poor mum and family & friends. Bless you all my heart breaks for you."
Laura Joyce said: "Sending all our love to the family absolutely heartbreaking she shouldn't be at her 9 year old daughters funeral she should be picking her up from school like any other innocent mother."
Jennie Green said: "I have no idea how her mum is coping, absolutely heartbreaking and so unnecessary that little princess should be living her life and writing her Christmas list."
Jane Fitzpatrick said: "Absolutely heart wrenching to read and to see Olivia in the hearse. How anyone can live with themselves knowing what they have done is beyond me. You would have to beyond evil, no conscience what so ever.
"Not only have you killed a little girl, you have destroyed a whole family. Just knowing what you have done plays on my mind so how you can carry on, I can’t figure out. Pure pure evil is the only thought in my mind when I think of you. RIP little angel, heaven will be one beautiful place with you there."
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers via its online form here or by calling 0800 555 111
READ NEXT
UFC star Molly McCann thanks Drake as she shows off new Rolex outside Liver Building
Appeal after plans for 'party' holiday let in Bootle refused
Queen's funeral sees changes to some Wirral bin collections
Attempted murder charge after incident at Ashworth Hospital
Olivia Pratt-Korbel's coffin taken on final journey as Amazing Grace is sung
