One of the guns used by Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer is linked to a number of other shootings in the area.
In a press conference at Merseyside Police HQ on Wednesday, September 21, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen gave a number of updates in the ongoing murder investigation of the nine-year-old schoolgirl. So far nine people have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including murder and assisting an offender.
All those arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries. As part of the update Det Ch Supt Kameen told the public his team had worked over 15,000 hours since Olivia’s murder and officers are sifting through more than 2000 exhibits and trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
READ MORE: Live updates as police hold press conference over Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder
One of the major updates in the last week was police confirming the exact guns that were used during the incident on Kingsheath Avenue. One of those guns is a .38 revolver, which was the gun responsible for killing Olivia and the second gun is a Glock-type self-loading 9mm pistol.
Det Ch Supt Kameen also confirmed the Glock has been used in a total of three separate incidents on Merseyside across a two-and-a-half-year period. Police have now released a map showing the exact locations where all three incidents happened and details as to who they believe owns the weapon.
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."
The second incident happened on Finch Way, Dovecot, at 9.40pm on August 8. On this occasion two rival groups, one in a car and the other on motorcycles, fired shots indiscriminately near to some playing fields.
Det Ch Supt 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.
"These are incredibly dangerous weapons that are in the hand or hands of people that don’t care about anyone else. Therefore, why should you show them any loyalty?
"We know that one of these guns has been used in three separate incidents and I am determined to take these weapons off our streets, before they can maim or kill anyone else. Sadly, and unbelievably, during this investigation I have been disgusted by a small number of individuals who are determined to thwart the investigation, protect the key individuals involved and try and ensure that little Olivia and her family do not receive the justice they deserve.
"This just shows the type of people we are dealing with. However, they won’t be successful, and we will prosecute them too."
In a direct appeal to people who know the identity of the gunman and are protecting them, Det Ch Supt Kameen said: "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."
The reward for information in the Olivia Pratt-Korbell murder investigation has been increased after Crimestoppers founder, Lord Ashcroft, doubled his initial pledge of £50,000, to match a £100,000 donation from a new, private donor to make a total of £200,000.
Only information given exclusively to the charity Crimestoppers via the 0800 555 111 number or the simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org will qualify*** More information about how to claim a reward is available here.
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