Gun linked to Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder used in…

Gun linked to Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder used in three shootings

A gun used on the night of Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder is linked to two other shootings on Merseyside.

Detectives investigating the schoolgirl's murder have identified two types of gun used by Olivia's killer on the night of August 22. The first gun is a .38 revolver, which was used to kill Olivia.

The second gun, a Glock-type self-loading 9mm pistol, was used in three separate shootings on Merseyside over the last two and a half years, including the attack on Kingsheath Avenue that led to the murder of Olivia.

One of these shootings took place just a few streets away from the schoolgirl's home on Kingsheath Avenue and just two weeks before her murder.

Guns that are used on more than one occasion are referred to as ‘linked series’ weapons. Merseyside Police has today released a photo of this Linked Series 179 firearm that detectives are looking for in connection with Olivia's murder.

Speaking at a police press conference this afternoon, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen gave more details of the shootings the gun is linked to. He said: "This Glock was first used in Wimbourne Close, Dovecot, on 27 January 2020 at 8.50pm.

"A 19-year-old man was targeted during that first incident and was injured as a result of it. Furthermore, and in shocking similarity to the circumstances leading to Olivia’s murder, one of the bullets also went through the front door of a house of an innocent member of the community.

"This attack could quite clearly have had far more dire consequences had someone been stood behind that door. This evidences the callous nature of those people in possession of this weapon. They have no regard for the safety or life of anyone else. They do not therefore deserve anyone’s loyalty."

A map released by Merseyside Police showing the locations where the linked series Glock-type gun was used over the last two and a half years including on the night of Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder (Merseyside Police)

The second shooting involving the Linked Series 179 took place on August 8, just a few streets away from Olivia's home on Kingsheath Avenue, and just two weeks before her murder.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "On this occasion two rival groups, one in a car and the other on motorcycles, fired shots indiscriminately whilst near to some playing fields. This occurred in the middle of summer in an area where innocent local people would have been enjoying the park.

"Once again, as with the first time this weapon was used in our communities, we find that those in possession of it have no care, thought or loyalty for anyone else or their safety. Once again, they do not deserve anyone’s loyalty."

Police have also released a map of locations where the linked series gun was used. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "Looking at the locations where this gun has been used on the map, it is very clear to me that the gun is owned and controlled by an individual or group of individuals in this immediate area.

"For the last two years it has exclusively been used in Dovecot. I would suggest that this gun has been stored somewhere in this area and may well still be there right now. I want people to tell us where these guns are now.

"Being involved with this gunman and anything to do with this horrendous murder will leave a stain on you for life. I have no doubts that when you are charged and convicted that you will be regarded with absolute disgust by your family, your friends and your communities. Your loyalty to this man is utterly misplaced and it will cost you."