This week Liverpool witnessed an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken Merseyside to its core.
People from Wirral have joined the chorus of tributes and demands for change following the awful murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel from Liverpool. Olivia was fatally shot in her own home in Dovecot when a man burst into the property and fired on Olivia and her mum, Cheryl, who is now in hospital, on Monday.
Mick Whitley, MP for Birkenhead and Cllr Jan Williamson, leader of Wirral Council, helmed the area's tributes to the "poor little girl."
READ MORE: Family share pictures of 'beautiful angel' Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Mick Whitley MP told the ECHO: "The tragic murder of nine-year old Olivia Pratt-Korbel is one of the most heinous crimes our region has witnessed. An innocent victim of gangland cruelty is bad enough – an innocent child having her life stolen at such a young age is truly appalling. My heart goes out to Olivia’s family, her friends and all those who knew her.
"Their suffering in the aftermath of this horror is unimaginable. Gangs and guns are a blight on our communities.
"Their wilful cruelty inflicts misery on the people of Merseyside. We must come together in unity to banish them from our streets so that there are no more victims.
"I urge anyone with information to contact the authorities so that the heartless murderer of Olivia is brought to justice sooner rather than later."
Cllr Janette Williamson, leader of Wirral Council and deputy metro mayor for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: "My thoughts are with the families and friends at this very difficult time. I send my deepest condolences.
"The increase in gun culture is something that's a real concern and we need to work with our communities and the police to put an end to this senseless violence."
Hundreds of people and families from Wirral made tribute to Olivia. Laney Churchill, a mum from Birkenhead, said: "Poor little girl. Thinking of them all."
Another local mum, Esther Thomas, said: "This is so sad. Poor little girl. Absolutely awful someone came into the home and shot this innocent girl. Thinking of all the family."
Rosemarie McKeown said "[I have] no words for the perpetrator. Rest in peace little angel."
Fans of Tranmere Rovers Football Club, who are playing Premier League side Newcastle United tonight in the Carabao Cup, have also arranged a fitting tribute during the match. Many supporters will be holding a minute's applause for Olivia will be held through the game's ninth minute.
One Rovers fan said in a supporter group: "Let's all stand and applaud in the 9th minute tonight for the beautiful Olivia who wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time, as she was in her own home.
"Goodnight and God bless, Liv."
Nicola Palios, vice chairman of Tranmere Rovers, responded to fans, She said: "Everyone at Tranmere Rovers has been shocked and sickened by the senseless death of 9 year old Olivia Pratt Korbel.
"We have a policy at Tranmere Rovers only to do an official minute's silence prior to a match following the death of someone very closely connected to the club, because otherwise it becomes impossible to choose whose passing to mark, without risk of offending the loved ones of those who aren't.
"Tragically, Olivia is one of three young people who have lost their lives to gun crime in Merseyside in the past 10 days, and the families of Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer are also grieving.
"However we can and do support fans who want to show their respects for others, and a number [of fans] have suggested a minute's applause in the ninth minute of the game, to show support for Olivia's family.
"We fully endorse this action and hope that it serves as a mark of respect for all three families, and as a demonstration that we as a community are united against such pointless and mindless violence."
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