A police convoy has been spotted on the Strand escorting Thomas Cashman to Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning.
The 34-year-old is travelling in a matrix van, led by police motorcycles, ahead of him appearing in court accused of killing nine-year-old Olivia Pratt Korbel. The schoolgirl died after she was shot in the chest at her home, on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot.
The shooting happened on Monday, August 22, after a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into Olivia's family home. Multiple shots were fired during the attack, with Olivia's mum Cheryl and Nee also suffering gunshot wounds.
READ MORE: Live updates as Thomas Cashman accused of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel appears in court
Thomas Cashman, 34, from Grenadier Drive, West Derby, has been charged with the murder of Olivia. He has also been charged with the attempted murders of Olivia's mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46, and 35-year-old Joseph Nee.
A second man, Paul Russell, 40 years, from Snowberry Road, West Derby, has been charged with assisting an offender. Both men will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, on Monday, October 3.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, said: "Our work continues in earnest. At the beginning of the investigation we were firm in our commitment to finding all of those involved in this case, which includes the people who have tried to shield and protect individuals, and those who have supplied the weapon or are hiding the weapons used in this incident.
"We have had an overwhelming response and support from the public since the tragic murder of Olivia and I would ask for your continued support so we can keep the promise we made to Olivia’s family and the local community to ensure that those involved face justice.
"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
"If you have any CCTV/dashcam/smart doorbell footage that could help our inquiries they can be downloaded on the dedicated public portal for Olivia's murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team. Footage can be submitted here Public Portal ( mipp.police.uk ).
"Finally, our thoughts today are with Olivia’s Mum and Dad, Cheryl and John Francis, and their families, who throughout the last few weeks have shown incredible strength, courage, and dignity."
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