Police search open land to try to find the weapons that killed Olivia

Three weeks ago on 22nd August, nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel had her life tragically cut short after a gunman fired shots into her home towards another man, who had desperately tried to get into the house through the front door to escape the offender.

Sadly, as the gunman fired into the house little Olivia was critically injured and her Mum was also shot in the arm.

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 (were 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.”