Hundreds of people came together this evening for a vigil and silent prayer service in memory of nine-year-old shooting victim Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
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 5.30 pm to pay their respects to the St Margaret Mary pupil.
Friends, neighbours and wellwishers hugged one another as they waited for the family to arrive. Olivia's mum, Cheryl, arrived in a silver car and entered the church through a side door.
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As crowds gathered waiting for the vigil to start at 6 pm drivers and passers-by could be seen bowing their heads out of the respect for Olivia who was fatally wounded on Monday, August 22 by a gunman who barged his way into the family home in Dovecot.
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. 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."
During the 25-minute service more people gathered outside the church, just over a mile away from Olivia's home, to join in silent prayer and write their condolences to the family. People left the vigil as the sun set hugging one another with many of the congregation in tears.
The silent prayer ended at 8 pm when people lined up to light a candle in memory of little Olivia. The nine-year-old was shot at her home in Kingsheath Avenue by a gunman chasing 35-year-old Joseph Nee.
Two men arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, one aged 33 and from Dovecot and one aged 36 and from Huyton, were conditionally bailed and remain under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 and 22000621096.
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