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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kieren Williams

Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Heartbroken family's bid to find 'who took our baby away from us'

The family of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel have urged people to "do the right thing" and help them find out "who took our baby away from us" in a heart breaking plea.

Following her shocking murder on Monday 22 August, Olivia’s family have spoken out and paid tribute to the “unique chatty” little girl.

She was shot dead after a gunman burst into her home on Kingsheath Avenue, in Dovecot Liverpool, chasing another man, and opened fire.

As the hunt goes on to locate her killer, they begged Brits to “do the right thing” and help police find the gunman.

Her family 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.

The hunt for her killer is ongoing (PA)
The youngster had been stood behind her mother when the criminals burst into their home (PA)

“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.

Family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel appeal to find out 'who took our baby from us' (PA)

“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.

“We as a family are eternally grateful for the help and support we have received from people across the world.

“We are also thankful to Merseyside police for the outstanding work and to the staff at Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals.”

Some of the flower tributes left to little Olivia at the scene on Kingsheath Avenue, in Dovecot Liverpool (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Little Olivia died after Joseph Nee burst into her house despite the best efforts of her mum Cheryl Korbel.

He, and another man, were being chased by the unknown gunman who followed Nee inside the house and fired “indiscriminately”.

One bullet tragically struck Olivia in the chest.

This comes as officers warned the gunman who shot the youngster dead may have already fled abroad.

Speaking today, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said they had a “number of very positive lines of inquiry” and vowed “we will not rest until we find you, and we will find you.”

Detective Kameen said they were “unclear at this stage” if the shooter had fled the UK in a briefing heard this morning.

He went on to say that whilst they did not have a definite name they had a “number of names” provided by the community.

It is unknown whether Nee is cooperating with police but a second man who was with him has now been identified and a third man who drove the Audi C3 which picked Nee up has also been questioned but not arrested.

Detective Kameen added: “Our officers continue to carry out extensive inquiries and I can confirm there are a number of lines of inquiry we are pursuing."

He went on to echo the family's pleas for people to help with the hunt and said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of community engagement in solving each of these crimes,”.

Olivia's best friend previously paid tribute to her, calling her her "big sister" in her message to the slain youngster.

Now, Olivia’s best friend Hattie, and her brother Logan, have shared a heartbreaking tribute to her.

Olivia's best pal Hattie, and her brother Logan said: "Olivia you are the best friend anyone could wish for, like my big sister. I will miss you so much. Lots of love Hattie xx."

Logan had been in the same class as Olivia at St Margaret Mary’s Primary school and said it “won’t be the same” without her.

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