The crime organisation under investigation for the murder of Olivia-Pratt Korbel had a "bad reputation" amongst locals before the schoolgirl's horrific murder.
Olivia, nine, died when a gunman carrying two firearms forced his way into her home on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, while chasing convicted criminal Joseph Nee at around 10pm on August 22. The gunman fired a shot from a .38 caliber revolver into the property as Nee forced his way inside in a desperate bid to escape, wounding Cheryl and killing Olivia.
So far three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, with a further six people arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All nine suspects have since been bailed and no charges have been brought yet.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer is 'top level' gangland thug being 'protected' say detectives
A source in the area of the shooting said that the gang involved had a "big reputation" and people were "wary" of them before the horrific events of August 22. The source said: "They are top level. I've seen [one of the suspects] back in the area since it happened, we just don't want him here any more. People were wary of them, still are and even more so now."
The ECHO has previously reported how a dispute between two well established organised criminal group is believed to have led to the attempt on Nee's life. Unlike the teenagers responsible for the murder of Rhys Jones 15 years ago, police do not believe the killers are young street thugs fighting over territory.
On Wednesday Merseyside Police announced that the two types of firearms carried by the killer have been identified, although efforts to locate them are ongoing. As well as the revolver, the gunman also fired a self-loading 9mm Glock handgun at Nee.
In a significant break for police, forensic scientists matched markings on the bullets fired from the Glock to bullets fired during two previous shootings in the local area, one only two weeks before Olivia was killed and the other in January 2020, where a 19-year-old man was wounded.
On Wednesday Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, head of investigations at Merseyside Police, described the criminals involved as operating at the "highest levels of serious and organised crime". He said: "I have no doubt, whatsoever, that we are dealing with some of the most serious and organised criminals. We have an individual here who has brought two firearms to this attack. When you look at why he brought two firearms, I would suggest he was clearly motivated to do what he was sent to do or intended to do. This is serious and organised crime at its highest level."
Also on Wednesday, the Crimestoppers charity announced a £200,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Olivia's death, the highest ever single reward in its history.
Yesterday evening, the force said it had received information that led officers to search Yew Tree Cemetery, Knotty Ash, in connection with the case. The force has yet to confirm whether anything has been found.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Mark Baker, said "We are aware that seeing police officers present in a cemetery may cause distress to some people. Please be reassured that this course of action is an important and necessary part of our ongoing investigation into Oliva’s murder and our searches will be carried out in a respectful and considerate manner.
"I would encourage anyone who has any questions to engage with our officers.”
Anyone who has information which could assist the investigation is asked to pass it on via a public portal ( mipp.police.uk ) for Olivia murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team.
Information passed directly to police will not qualify for a reward. Only information given exclusively to the charity Crimestoppers via the 0800 555 111 number or the simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org will qualify*** More information about how to claim a reward is available here.
READ NEXT:
Builder who lured girl into van in court for more sex crimes
Landlord ripped out tenants' toilet after rent wasn't paid
Anthony Walker killer Michael Barton to be freed from prison after 17 years
