Merseyside Police has explained why no one has been charged in relation to the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The murder investigation, launched following the death of Olivia after being shot in her own home as the gunman pursued Joseph Nee and another target, has seen nine people arrested. Despite the arrests, no one has yet been charged.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen issued an explanation in today's press conference where he also confirmed that police have identified the two guns carried by the nine-year-old's murderer. Before DCS Kameen went on to explain the "series link" weapon used in the shooting, he said: "So far the investigation has resulted in nine arrests for offences including murder and assisting an offender.
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"All those arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries. I recognise that people will wonder why no one has been charged despite those arrests. If I could reassure you that this is normal practice in any complex investigation. The threshold for arresting someone is much lower than that for charging someone.
"Please have patience with us – the investigation is progressing, and the detectives involved in bringing justice for Olivia and her family are working tirelessly and with real care and passion to achieve the objective of securing charges against everyone involved in Olivia’s murder, no matter how small their role.
"The investigation is progressing well but, as always, I still need the support of our communities to inform us about what they know, what they’ve heard and what they’ve seen."
It was also revealed that the two guns used in the murder were a .38 revolver and a Glock-type self-loading 9mm pistol, with the Glock first being shot at Joseph Nee in the street three times before the revolver was discharged twice, with one of the bullets killing Olivia.
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