The heartbroken mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the 9-year-old girl fatally shot in her own home, has made a desperate plea for justice as police intensify their investigation into the shocking crime.
In an emotional statement, Cheryl Korbel described her daughter as "my little shadow" who "loved life" and was excited about returning to school. The grieving mother urged anyone with information about the killing to come forward, saying: "We need to know who took our baby away from us."
A Community in Shock
The horrific incident occurred in the Dovecot area of Liverpool when a masked gunman chased another man into Olivia's family home on the evening of 22 August. During the struggle, a bullet passed through the front door and struck the young girl in the chest.
Despite being rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Olivia could not be saved. The intended target, a 35-year-old man, was also injured but survived his wounds.
Police Investigation Intensifies
Merseyside Police have launched a major operation to find Olivia's killer, with detectives following multiple lines of enquiry. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the shooting as "absolutely shocking" and assured the public that every possible resource was being dedicated to the case.
Officers have conducted numerous house-to-house enquiries and forensic examinations at the scene. Police are particularly interested in tracing a black Audi Q3 seen in the area around the time of the shooting.
A City United in Grief
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Liverpool, with hundreds of people attending vigils to pay their respects. Floral tributes and teddy bears continue to pile up near the family home as the community struggles to comprehend the senseless loss of an innocent child.
Local schools have offered counselling to pupils affected by the news, while community leaders have called for calm and cooperation with the police investigation.
