Home Secretary Priti Patel has offered additional resources to Merseyside Police as they attempt to track down the killer of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed when a gunman forced his way into her home in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot at 10pm. The nine-year-old was hit in the chest by a bullet and was tragically pronounced dead after being rushed to Alder Hey Hospital. The tragic news has shocked the city and the nation.
Merseyside Police is hunting for the gunman who shot and killed Olivia and Ms Patel has issued a statement offering additional support. She said: "This morning, I have spoken to the Chief Constable for Merseyside Police about the tragic shooting in Liverpool last night. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the 9-year-old girl who has died.
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"It is important that anyone with information comes forward to assist the police with their investigations. The force has my full support and will receive any additional resources they need."
She is one of a number of high-profile national politicians to respond to the horrific news today. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "My thoughts are with the little girl’s family, devastating news, for them and their community."
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also reacted to the news. He said: "The killing of a nine-year-old girl last night is a heart-breaking tragedy for Liverpool and the whole country. I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends, the other victims of this senseless shooting, and the whole community."
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said he was 'absolutely sickened' at the 'senseless loss' of the young girl's life. He added: "An innocent child, with a whole life ahead of her, has not only had her future stolen, but from her entire family too. The heartbreak and pain they must be feeling today is unimaginable, and my thoughts are with them and everyone who knew and loved her."
Mayor Rotheram added: "Exactly 15 years on since our region was shaken to its very core by the tragic death 11-year-old Rhys Jones, this devastating loss of another innocent child's life shows us just how much work there's still to do in the fight against gun crime."
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