Goodison Park united as one on Saturday afternoon as Everton and Liverpool supporters came together to take part in a minute's applause in memory of Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The nine-year-old was tragically shot and killed when a gunman forced his way into her family's home in Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot at 10pm on Monday August 22. Olivia's mum, Cheryl, was also injured in the attack.
Olivia's death has coincided with a rise in gun and knife crime in Merseyside in recent weeks, leading to Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly and Everton's Fans' Forum issuing a joint-statement asking those attending Goodison for this afternoon’s Merseyside derby to take part in a minute's applause after nine minutes of the match while signing 'Merseyside' in unison.
READ MORE: Everything police know about 'toxic' man who murdered Olivia Pratt-Korbel
And as the game hit the nine minute mark, all those inside Goodison took to their feet to pay tribute to Olivia with a period of applause taking place. A banner reading 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OUR CITY IN UNITY' was also on show inside the ground.
Earlier this week, Merseyside Police released CCTV footage of little Olivia's murderer, who was seen running down Finch Lane moments after shooting at the schoolgirl. The release of the footage was in the hope of somebody recognising what the man, who was wearing a black puffer jacket, balaclava, gloves and white trainers.
Footage showed the figure running along Finch Lane, away from Kingsheath Avenue where Olivia was killed, and into Berryford Road. The man was described as 5ft 7ins and slim.
Det Sup Kameen said: "This is the man we are hunting for – we need to know where he went that night or did you see him in the area? Remember this was shortly after 10pm on Monday 22nd August.
“We know this man is climbing through gardens and through people’s backyards in order to avoid being identified as well as using the roads.
"I know that there will be people shielding and helping this man. If you are found to be doing this then we will do everything legitimately possible to bring you to justice. It is beyond comprehension how anyone can protect a person who is responsible for killing a nine-year-old little girl.
"This man is toxic. He is toxic to our communities and if you are protecting him then he is toxic to you and your families.
"I want you to place the loyalty that you have to you families before any loyalty you have for this man. I want information as to where he is now."
Officers have been working tirelessly to find Olivia's murderer and have completed a total of 88 warrants, stop searched 942 people, arrested 349 people and completed 75 open land searches.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 22000621096. You can also pass information on our Major Incident Public Portal website mipp.police.uk.
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