The heartbroken family of a nine-year-old girl who was shot in her own home said she blew people away with her wit and kindness.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool in a critical condition after being shot in the chest at around 10pm on Monday night. The youngster, known to her family as 'Liv', sadly died a short time later.
A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman was shot in the hand during the incident in the house, on Kingsheath Avenue in the Knotty Ash area of Liverpool. Detectives say the two victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
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On Thursday, Olivia's devastated family released an emotional tribute in which they said she loved life and was adored by everyone who knew her. 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.
“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."
The family has urged anyone with information to speak up and 'do the right thing'. They have also thanked those who have supported them since Olivia passed away.
They added: "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."
Earlier this week, Merseyside Police confirmed Olivia was the nine-year-old victim of the shooting. The Liverpool Echo reported how the force was carrying out house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries, while a cordon was in place.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died. Our thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends at this very difficult time. No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child in these dreadful circumstances.
"This crime is abhorrent and our communities must come forward and tell us who is responsible. This cowardly individual does not deserve to be walking the streets and I would urge those who know anything to speak to us and tell us what they know so that we can put the person responsible behind bars where they belong."
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