Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson has led tributes to Olivia Pratt-Korbel on the day of the nine-year-old's funeral.
A funeral service will take place at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Knotty Ash today, next door to Olivia's school, St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School. The service is due to begin at 11am and will be followed by a private burial and wake. Mourners have been asked to wear a splash of pink in her memory.
The nine-year-old was killed when a gunman chasing convicted criminal Joseph Nee burst into her home on Kingsheath Avenue, Dovecot, and opened fire at around 10pm on Monday, August 22. Since then, there have been nine arrests but no-one has yet been charged with her murder.
READ MORE: Olivia Pratt-Korbel's classmates to watch her favourite film on day of funeral
Her classmates will not have to attend the service but will remember their much-loved friend in other ways, including saying prayers, painting their nails pink and watching her favourite film; an adaptation of Roald Dahl classic 'Matilda'
On the day of the funeral, tributes have been paid across Liverpool to the nine-year-old and her family. Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: "The senseless murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel was a crime beyond belief. A life of innocence, devastatingly taken in the place where she was safest - home. Today we offer our prayers, love & support to Olivia’s family as they lay her to rest. Let us hope justice is swift & true."
Joining the tributes, Liverpool Wavertree MP Paula Barker said: "I am sending my best wishes and strength to the family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, as they go through the pain of laying her to rest today. The thoughts and love of everybody in our city are with you all. May she rest in peace."
In a touching tribute to Olivia, her school friends will paint their nails pink today. Headteacher of St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School the nine-year-old 'oozed kindness'. Speaking about today's plans, she said prayers will be written in the school and an art project of flowers will be put together in her memory. She said: "In the afternoon we are going to watch Olivia's favourite film, which was Matilda, so that's something for the children to look forward to."
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