Neighbours have spoken of their shock after armed police raided a block of flats linked to the Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder investigation.
Olivia was at home in Liverpool with her mum, Cheryl Korbel, and her two older siblings at around 10pm on Monday night when Cheryl heard loud bangs outside. Unbeknownst to Cheryl, a gunman in a balaclava had opened fire on two men walking down Kingsheath Avenue, the street the family live don.
One of those men, suspected to be 35-year-old Joseph Nee, spotted Cheryl open the door to see what was happening and took the chance to barge inside in an effort to escape. Tragically, the gunman was in close pursuit and managed to get his arm into the door, firing a shot.
READ MORE: Dad of boy, 16, killed in police chase wants to find out 'what really happened'
That discharge hit Cheryl in the arm and then struck Olivia in the chest, fatally wounding her. The gunman did not stop even then, and carried on shooting at Nee, wounding him in the torso and legs.
On Thursday night, the murder investigation saw armed police descend on a flat in Huyton, Liverpool. The Liverpool Echo reports that police blocked the entrance around 11pm with search teams later seen carrying evidence bags and protective forensic suits up a stairwell to one of the flats.
On Friday morning, a 36-year-old man from the Huyton area was in custody on suspicion of little Olivia's murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is being questioned by detectives.
Residents living in and around the flat complex described hearing sirens and seeing flashing blue lights at around 10pm. She said: "I was lying down and I saw the lights. I got up to have a look and saw armed police looking up at the windows. There was a police van parked across the gates stopping people from coming in.
"I'm disabled and I phoned my son to come round because I was a bit frightened."
Another woman, living near the complex, said: "I was driving home and my partner called me and said I might not be able to get down the road because there was a lot of police activity. He said he stepped outside and was told to go back in by a police officer.
"I told him to stay away from the windows in case any shots were fired, but by the time I got home it was quiet."
People living inside the complex appeared shocked and surprised by the police presence. One said: "I only moved in yesterday, I didn't hear a thing. I hope this is not the normal procedure here."
It was not clear whether the murder suspect was arrested at the flat or elsewhere. It is understood he was not the only resident in the flat subject to police attention.
Yesterday Olivia's devastated family released a statement, saying: "“Liv was a unique chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born. She loved life and all it had to offer.
"Liv loved dressing up and was very particular on how she was dressed, like any other little girl she loved doing her makeup and nails, she was nine going on 19. Liv was adored by everyone who knew her and would instantly make friends with anyone and everyone. She was often seen going up and down the street on her new bike she had just got for her birthday.
"Although her life was short, her personality certainly wasn’t and she lived it to the most she could, and would blow people away with her wit and kindness.
“We as a family are heartbroken and have lost a huge part of our life. If anyone knows anything, now is the time to speak up. It is not about being a 'snitch' or a 'grass' it is about finding out who took our baby away from us. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING."
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "An investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111. Information, footage or images can also be submitted via the Public Portal ( mipp.police.uk )."
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