Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, was shot in the chest
(Picture: Family photo)The family of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot in her home in Liverpool, have appealed for people to "do the right thing" to help find out "who took our baby away from us".
The schoolgirl died on Monday night after a man was chased into her home, in the Dovecot area, by a masked shooter who killed Olivia and injured her mother Cheryl, 46.
Paying tribute, Olivia’s family said “Liv” was “adored by everyone who knew her”.
“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,” they said.
“Liv was adored by everyone who knew her and would instantly make friends with anyone and everyone. She was often seen going up and down the street on her new bike she had just got for her birthday.
“Although her life was short, her personality certainly wasn’t and she lived it to the most she could, and would blow people away with her wit and kindness.
“We as a family are heartbroken and have lost a huge part of our life. If anyone knows anything, now is the time to speak up. It is not about being a ‘snitch’ or a ‘grass’ it is about finding out who took our baby away from us. Please do the right thing.”
The family also thanked people across the world for their help and support, as well as Merseyside Police and staff at both Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Aintree Hospital, where Olivia's mother was treated for an injury to her wrist.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen warned the killer: "We will not rest until we find you, and we will find you."
Speaking at a media briefing at Merseyside Police HQ on Thursday, he told reporters it was unclear if the gunman may have fled overseas, but said: "We will find him wherever he goes."
Convicted burglar Joseph Nee, 35, from the Dovecot area of Liverpool, has been named as the intended target of the shooting.
