Olivia Korbel’s family warn ‘this picture will haunt you forever’ & slam ‘scum’ who shot dead girl, 9, ‘in gangland war’

THE heartbroken family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel warned “this picture will haunt you forever” as they slammed her “scum” killer.

Little Olivia, nine, was shot dead at her home in Liverpool after being caught in the crossfire of a suspected gang attack.

Police are still hunting the masked gunman who burst into her home and sprayed bullets with “complete disregard”.

Olivia’s uncle Peter Korbel has now paid tribute to Olivia along with a poignant photo of the youngster smiling at the camera.

He wrote: “Our family will remember this picture of my beautiful niece with happiness and pride…this tiny cheeky little girl with the Korbel attitude thrown in and then some xx but to the scum that’s done this, this picture is going to haunt you for the rest of your days…

“R.I.P BBY GIRL NYT GORGEOUS XX”.

Olivia’s cousin Rebecca also paid tribute to the “crazy, beautiful” youngster in a moving post.

She wrote: “Baby girl, I don’t think I or the family will ever find the words to describe the heartache we have all felt the past 24 hours.

“We haven’t just lost ’Our Liv’, we’ve lost a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin and a granddaughter. Our little Liv who was full of life, full of sass and most definitely knew what she wanted in life. You had so much potential and a full life to lead beautiful.

“I can only apologise for the cruel world we live in and the monsters in it. My heart aches so much and I don’t think we will ever digest what’s happened.

“We WILL find who did this and we WILL get justice for you baby girl. Lewis & I love you SO much it hurts. Forever 9 years young”.

Rebecca said she knows the family has “not only the hearts of the city but the hearts of a nation behind us all”.

She added: “Let’s put this into action and get these weapons off our street’s. No other family should EVER have to endure the pain we as a family and especially my aunty Cheryl have experienced.

“No other child should have to lose their lives to these senseless crimes. Forever and always in our hearts baby”.

It comes after police confirmed the intended shooting target has been detained in hospital for breaching his licence conditions.

Joseph Nee had recently been released from prison after being handed a 45-month sentence for burglary.

The 35-year-old, who lives close to Olivia’s home, was part of a gang who led cops on a 125mph chase through Cheshire and Merseyside.

Nee was previously caged for six-and-a-half years in 2009 for his part in a gang that flooded Liverpool with heroin and crack cocaine.

A manhunt is still ongoing for the “cowardly” killer, who fled the scene after the horror unfolded.

It emerged today the net was closing in after two sources came forward with a potential name of the suspect.

Raids have been carried out across Liverpool today linked to gun crime in the city following a spate of shootings that left three people dead including little Olivia.

It is believed the innocent youngster was caught in the crossfire of a tit-for-tat gang attack.

Officers told yesterday how the bloodbath unfolded when Nee rushed into Olivia’s home to escape a gunman who shot at him and a second male on the street.

Mum Cheryl appeared to have opened the front door to see what the commotion was when he forced his way inside.

The shooter then followed and began peppering the home with bullets – hitting Cheryl first then Olivia, who was standing behind her mum.

Tragically, Olivia was declared dead shortly after, while her mum was treated for a gunshot wound to the wrist.

Intended target Nee was treated for multiple wounds to his upper body.

As Olivia lay dying, his friends picked him up in a black Audi and took him to hospital.

Merseyside Police yesterday issued a passionate plea for information as they vowed to “not rest until those who are responsible are put behind bars”.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the “shocking” killing “crosses every single boundary” as she appealed to the “criminal fraternity” in Liverpool for information.