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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Abigail Nicholson

Face of witness police want to speak to after Olivia-Pratt Korbel's murder

Police are trying to trace a man who could be the missing piece to finding tracing Olivia-Pratt Korbel's murderer.

At a Merseyside Police press conference on Thursday, September 2, officers shared new pieces of information as they continue to investigate the murder of nine-year-old Olivia. The schoolgirl was at home with her mum and older siblings in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, when a gunman burst through the door at around 10pm on Monday, August 22.

The killer had been in pursuit of 35-year-old Joseph Nee, who forced his way into the house after noticing Olivia's mum, 46-year-old Cheryl Korbel, open the door to see what was going on outside.

READ MORE: 'Crime families' fallout may be linked to Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder

The killer was then caught on CCTV running away from the murder scene, along Finch Lane wearing a black padded jacket, a black balaclava with a peak and black gloves. Police have released this CCTV footage to the public in the hope somebody may recognise the man, or can give information of his movements in the time before and after the murder.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen also released footage of a witness they would like to speak to.

He said: "The enquiry team are attempting to trace everyone in the area at the time of Olivia’s murder. I therefore want to trace this man who was in the area at the time.

"He is stood on Finch Lane near to the junction with Kingsheath Avenue. I am interested in speaking to him as he may have information that is important to the enquiry.

"I therefore appeal for this man to come forward and make himself known to the investigation team. If anyone knows who this man is, please tell us. I have already talked about the pace of the investigation itself, but now I want to update you on the commitment of the Force in its relentless targeting of those involved in serious and organised crime.

"As a result of the support and information that we have had from our communities we have executed 88 warrants, stop searched 942 people, arrested 349 people and conducted 75 open land searches. What we now know is that those involved in serious and organised crime are being significantly disrupted and are fed up and frustrated by the increased policing activity.

"We are making these areas toxic to those who commit crime, and we know they don’t like it. However, we make no apology for that. I said we would bare our teeth and that is precisely what we are doing."

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 22000621096. You can also pass information on our Major Incident Public Portal website mipp.police.uk

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