Matrix officers today carried out a thorough search of a golf club in the hunt to track down the murder weapon that killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Police conducted the search at West Derby Golf Club on September 12, with the hope of locating the gun that was used to murder the nie-year-old last month.
The young girl was shot dead on the evening of August 22, while hiding behind her mother in their family home at Kings Heath Avenue in Dovecot. Police suspect that the killer used two guns at the scene and left with them both, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Officers are currently looking for the weapons at the golf club and have teamed up with police divers from the North West Underwater Search Team to continue the hunt. Police drones will also be used to search the area bordered by Grenadier Drive, along Aspes Road and down to Yew Tree Road, including the brook which runs through the area.
An 18-year-old and a 37-year-old, both from West Derby, were bailed on Sunday after being held on suspicion of assisting an offender. The recent arrests brought the total number of people detained in connection to the murder to nine, although no one has been charged as yet.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: “Three weeks on and our investigation continues in our relentless pursuit of the man responsible for Olivia’s murder and those who are shielding him. I promised that we would leave no stone unturned in our hunt for the offender and the guns used on that night, and today following information we are carrying out an extensive land search at West Derby Golf Club in our hunt for those weapons.
“Our search teams are being supported by the North West Underwater Search Team and the Merseyside Police drone unit and the search will take place in the area bounded by Grenadier Drive (where the old Deysbrook Barracks used to be) along Aspes Road down to Yew Tree Road including the brook which runs through the area.
“My message to the offender is clear – we will not stop until we have the evidence to put you before the courts and behind bars. Olivia’s family are absolutely broken by her tragic loss, which has robbed a beautiful young child of the life and future she should have been looking forward to.
“Olivia wanted to be a teacher, or a vet and her family have described her as someone who liked to laugh and make others laugh. She was an innocent young child in her own home, who should have been safe. Since Olivia’s murder the investigation team has been working around the clock. We have made nine arrests and we are building up an evidential picture, but we still need more information and we need to find the guns.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information which could help us with our investigation to come forward. This offender and those protecting him are a blight on the community and the impact they have on the decent people of the community is toxic.
“The information you have could be that vital piece of information we need to find justice for Olivia and her family. If you know anything please get in touch. All information received will be acted upon.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of August 22.
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