A gun used on the night Olivia Pratt-Korbel was murdered was used in two other shootings in Merseyside, police have revealed.
Detectives are still searching for the two firearms that were used on the night the nine-year-old was fatally shot. Both guns have been identified by police, including the murder weapon - a .38 revolver - that was used to kill Olivia.
The other gun, a Glock-type self-loading 9mm pistol, was fired three times at Joseph Nee by Olivia's killer as he entered Kingsheath Avenue on August 22. The revolver was then discharged twice, with one of those bullets fatally wounding the little girl.
READ MORE: Crimestoppers offering record £200,000 reward for information on Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder
Police confirmed the Glock gun has been used in two other shootings on Merseyside over the last two and a half years, the Liverpool Echo reports. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said during this time the Glock, also known as Linked Series 179, has 'exclusively been used in Dovecot'.
Here's everything known so far about the three shootings that the gun is linked to.
January 27, 2020 - Wimbourne Close
The Glock was first used in Wimbourne Close, Dovecot, on 27 January 2020. Police were called to the cul-de-sac at around 8.50pm after reports of gunfire.
A 19-year-old man was targeted during the incident and shot in the torso. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "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."
August 8, 2022 - Finch Way
The second shooting took place on August 8, on Finch Way in Dovecot, just a few streets away from Olivia's home and only two weeks before she was murdered.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "On this occasion two rival groups, one in a car and the other on motorcycles, fired shots indiscriminately whilst near to some playing fields. This occurred in the middle of summer in an area where innocent local people would have been enjoying the park.
"Once again, as with the first time this weapon was used in our communities, we find that those in possession of it have no care, thought or loyalty for anyone else or their safety. Once again, they do not deserve anyone’s loyalty."
August 22 - Kingsheath Avenue
Just two weeks later, at 10pm on August 22, the Glock was fired three times on Kingsheath Avenue by Olivia's killer. The .38 revolver was then fired a further two times, with one of those bullets killing Olivia as she stood behind her mum, who was also injured.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: "These are incredibly dangerous weapons that are in the hand or hands of people that don’t care about anyone else. Therefore, why should you show them any loyalty? We know that one of these guns has been used in three separate incidents and I am determined to take these weapons off our streets, before they can maim or kill anyone else.
"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.
"Sadly, and unbelievably, during this investigation I have been disgusted by a small number of individuals who are determined to thwart the investigation, protect the key individuals involved and try and ensure that little Olivia and her family do not receive the justice they deserve. This just shows the type of people we are dealing with. However, they won’t be successful, and we will prosecute them too.
"Being involved with this gunman and anything to do with this horrendous murder will leave a stain on you for life. I have no doubts that when you are charged and convicted that you will be regarded with absolute disgust by your family, your friends and your communities. Your loyalty to this man is utterly misplaced and it will cost you. "
Nine men have been arrested so far in the investigation, but they have all been released on bail pending further inquiries.
As part of the update Det Ch Supt Kameen told the public his team had worked over 15,000 hours since Olivia’s murder and officers are sifting through more than 2000 exhibits and trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
He added: "Someone, somewhere, knows where these weapons are hidden and I want to know where they are. So once again, I am asking you for your help in finding these guns."
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