The hunt for the guns used in the shooting of Olivia Pratt-Korbel remains ongoing after the search of a cemetery drew a blank.
Olivia, nine, was killed when a gunman carrying two firearms burst through the front door of her home in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, at 10pm on August 22. The killer fired at the schoolgirl while chasing convicted drug-dealer Joseph Nee who saw Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, open her door and barged inside to escape.
Merseyside Police say ballistic experts have confirmed the type of guns fired by the killer: a .38 calibre revolver which fired the fatal shot at Olivia, and a self-loading 9mm Glock handgun used to wound Nee.
READ MORE: Emotional tributes paid to Olivia Pratt-Korbel at Labour Conference
Officers began searching Yew Tree Cemetery in Knotty Ash "in a considerate and respectful" manner on Thursday September 22, the day after Crimestoppers announced a record £200,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Olivia's killer.
A spokesman for the force confirmed that the operation was in relation to Olivia's murder and based on information provided by the public.
Detective Superintendent Mark Baker, senior investigating officer in the case, said at the time: "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."
However today a spokesman for the force confirmed the revolver or the Glock were not recovered during the search, and re-iterated an appeal for information.
Last week, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, head of investigations at the force, said: "During this investigation I have been disgusted by a small number of individuals who are determined to thwart the investigation, protect the key individuals involved and try and ensure that little Olivia and her family do not receive the justice they deserve.
"This just shows the type of people we are dealing with. However, they won’t be successful, and we will prosecute them too. Being involved with this gunman and anything to do with this horrendous murder will leave a stain on you for life.
"I have no doubts that when you are charged and convicted you will be regarded with absolute disgust by your family, your friends and your communities. Your loyalty to this man is utterly misplaced and it will cost you."
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of 22 nd August.
If you have any CCTV/dashcam/smart doorbell footage that could help the police with their inquiries they can be downloaded on the dedicated public portal for Olivia's murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team. Footage can be submitted here Public Portal ( mipp.police.uk ).
READ NEXT:
Woman sexually assaulted on Ryanair flight from Liverpool to Spain
Flight attendant shares 'best way' passengers can get upgraded to first class for free
Plea to help bring 'beautiful' woman's body home after she fell to her death in Ibiza
Wanted drug dealer finally jailed after ten years on the run
Man shot with Glock used by Olivia Pratt-Korbel killer 'owed debt' to murder suspect
