The family of a nine-year-old girl who was killed after a gunman burst into her home have urged people to "do the right thing" in a heartbreaking plea. Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead on Monday 22 August after an armed man forced his way into the family's home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot, Liverpool.
The killer was said to have been chasing another man before barging into the property and opening fire. Olivia's family have made an appeal to help trace the man "who took our baby away from us."
As reported by the Mirror, the family have spoken out and paid tribute to “unique and chatty” Olivia as they ask the public to help police find the gunman.
Her family said in a statement: “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.
“We as a family are eternally grateful for the help and support we have received from people across the world. We are also thankful to Merseyside police for the outstanding work and to the staff at Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals.”
Police say that the killer had been chasing Joseph Nee and another man when they burst into the home of the little girl. The gunman fired “indiscriminately” inside the house.
One bullet struck Olivia in the chest and she died despite the best efforts of mum Cheryl Korbel. Despite police launching a huge manhunt to find the perpetrator no arrests have been made.
Authorities have raised concerns that the killer may have fled abroad but say they are following a “number of very positive lines of inquiry” and vowed “we will not rest until we find you, and we will find you.”
It is unknown whether Nee is cooperating with police but a second man who was with him has now been identified and a third man who drove the Audi C3 which picked Nee up has also been questioned but not arrested.
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