Liverpool Town Hall fell silent this evening in memory of victims of violent crime including nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Prior to the start of the Liverpool Council culture and visitor select economy, a minute’s silence was held to remember Dovecot schoolgirl Olivia, Ashley Dale, Karen Dempsey and Sam Rimmer. All four have tragically lost their lives in the last few weeks in violent killings.
Committee chair Cllr Liz Parsons said: “It’s been a particularly difficult week with a number of tragic incidents. We’ve lost Olivia, Ashley, Karen and Sam, and people are rightly shocked and saddened at what’s happened across the city.”
READ MORE: 'It's not being a snitch': Olivia Pratt-Korbel's family call for people to 'do the right thing'
Cllr Parsons thanked Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, for his attendance after the traumatic events taking place in his ward where Olivia was tragically killed.
She added: “We share the grief felt by the family, but we will never feel the same grief. We can’t imagine the horror of what they’re going through. Everybody will echo the thoughts of those standing in solidarity at this time.”
Cllr Parsons also reserved praise for the ECHO's campaign for people to come forward with information and say enough is enough. Cllr Doyle thanked council colleagues for the opportunity to reflect on the difficult events of this week, describing it as a “tragic for the community and our city.”
He added: "What’s happened this week isn’t reflective of our city.” A number of councillors in the chamber echoed Cllr Parsons’ comments in passing on their condolences to the families of the victims.
Paying tribute to the schoolgirl, her family said Olivia was "adored by everyone." They said: “Liv was a unique chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born.
"She loved life and all it had to offer. Liv loved dressing up and was very particular on how she was dressed, like any other little girl she loved doing her makeup and nails, she was nine going on 19."
Merseyside Police confirmed earlier today that they had identified a second man who was targeted by the gunman on Monday night. Olivia’s mum Cheryl was discharged from hospital today, officers said, after being shot in the wrist.
Thousands have since been raised for the Olivia’s family people urged to come forward with information as well as the murder of 28-year-old Ashley Dale and 22-year-old Sam Rimmer. Merseyside Police charged Karen Dempsey’s son Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Brechin Road, Kirkby with her murder. He appeared before magistrates in Liverpool today.
Anyone with information, footage or images is asked to contact police via the following link Public Portal ( mipp.police.uk ), @MerPolCC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000621566.
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