Merseyside Police have given an update on the intended target of the shooting that killed Olivia Pratt-Korbell, Joseph Nee.
In a press conference at Merseyside Police HQ on Wednesday, September 21, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen gave a number of updates in the ongoing murder investigation of the nine-year-old schoolgirl. Nine people have now been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including murder and assisting an offender.
All those arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries. As part of the update Det Ch Supt Kameen gave an update on the intended target of the Dovecot shooting.
READ MORE: Live updates as police hold press conference over Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder
He said: "In relation to the man that was targeted in this attack – I can report that he remains in hospital and is continuing to be treated for his injuries. The timescales around how long he will remain in hospital are unclear at the moment."
Nee, 35, from Dovecot, forced his way into the nine-year-old's home after being chased and shot by the killer of Olivia. The ECHO previously reported, in 2018, that Nee led police on a 125mph chase.
In todays press conference police also released a picture of the type of gun they are looking for in connection with the murder, a .38 revolver. Officers confirmed the same weapon was used in a total of three separate incidents on Merseyside over the last two and a half years.
Det Supt Kameen said: "This Glock was first used in Wimbourne Close, Dovecot, on 27 January 2020 at 8.50pm. A 19-year-old man was targeted during that first incident and was injured as a result of it.
"Furthermore, and in shocking similarity to the circumstances leading to Olivia’s murder, one of the bullets also went through the front door of a house of an innocent member of the community. This attack could quite clearly have had far more dire consequences had someone been stood behind that door.
"This evidences the callous nature of those people in possession of this weapon. They have no regard for the safety or life of anyone else. They do not therefore deserve anyone’s loyalty."
The second incident happened on Finch Way, Dovecot, at 9.40pm on August 8. On this occasion two rival groups, one in a car and the other on motorcycles, fired shots indiscriminately near to some playing fields.
Det Ch Supt Kameen said: "Looking at the locations where this gun has been used on the map, it is very clear to me that the gun is owned and controlled by an individual or group of individuals in this immediate area. For the last two years it has exclusively been used in Dovecot.
"I would suggest that this gun has been stored somewhere in this area and may well still be there right now. I want people to tell us where these guns are now."
The reward for information in the Olivia Pratt-Korbell murder investigation has been increased after Crimestoppers founder, Lord Ashcroft, doubled his initial pledge of £50,000, to match a £100,000 donation from a new, private donor to make a total of £200,000.
Only information given exclusively to the charity Crimestoppers via the 0800 555 111 number or the simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org will qualify*** More information about how to claim a reward is available here.
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