Hundreds of people came together for an emotional service in memory of a nine-year-old girl who was shot to death in her own home.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot at her home in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot after a gunman burst into her home while chasing 35-year-old Joseph Nee, who had run into the house to escape after noticing Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, open the front door. Two men arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder have been conditionally bailed and remain under investigation.
But as the investigation continues, around 200 people, including Olivia's family, gathered at St Margaret Mary's RC Church, next to the little girl's primary school in Pilch Lane, Huyton. Mourners started to arrive hand in hand at around 5.30pm to pay their respects to the St Margaret Mary pupil.
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Pictures show friends, neighbours and well-wishers comforting one another as they hugged each other waiting for the family to arrive. Many found comfort in one another during the emotional service, which started around 6pm on Wednesday.
As crowds gathered waiting for the vigil to start, drivers and passers-by could be seen bowing their heads out of respect for Olivia. The service was led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend Tom Williams who opened the vigil by saying: "Lord, in our grief we call upon your mercy."
He added: "Open your ears to our prayers and one day unite us again with Olivia who we firmly trust already enjoys eternal life in your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord." The silent prayer ended at 8pm when people lined up to light a candle in memory of little Olivia.
An inquest into Olivia's death was previously held where it was heard the St Margaret Mary's primary school pupil was rushed to Alder Hey hospital after being found by police. A resuscitation team, supported by specialist consultants at Alder Hey, tried desperately to revive Olivia, but she entered cardiac arrest and medical staff made the decision to stop CPR at 11.25pm.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 and 22000621096.
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