Fresh push on Liverpool underworld for info on ‘murder’ of little Olivia, 9 – as cops say ‘silence is not an option’
POLICE have warned those with information about the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel that "silence is not an option".
The schoolgirl was shot dead in her home in Liverpool on August 22.
Two men have so far been arrested on suspicion of murder, but cops today made a fresh appeal for names.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "A simple request - share this far and wide, to everyone you know, and ask them to share if further still, so that there's no hiding place for anyone involved in the murder of little Olivia.
"We need names. Silence is not an option."
Olivia was caught in the crossfire of an alleged "tit-for-tat" gang war in Dovecot on Monday night.
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The gunman burst into the youngster's family's terraced home following another man, who sprayed bullets with "complete disregard".
Mum Cheryl, 46, appeared to have opened the front door to see what the commotion was when he barged 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.
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The intended target was later revealed as Joseph Nee - a career criminal who has allegedly been unwilling to speak to detectives.
Nee, who was treated for multiple wounds to his upper body, is being held on suspicion of breaching his licence.
He was caged for burglary and theft of a vehicle in 2018 but was released part-way through his sentence last year.
Despite two arrests - a 36-year-old man and a second, 33, - no charges have been brought.
Officers last night released aerial footage of the moment the first arrest was made in the Huyton area of Merseyside.
They also released a picture of an Audi Q3, which is thought to have taken the intended target to hospital.
The vehicle has been seized and it is in the process of being forensically examined.
'DO THE RIGHT THING'
Detective Superintendent Mark Baker said: "Although we have made an arrest in connection with the horrific murder of Olivia, I want to make it completely clear that we need any information about this vehicle or the wider investigation as much as ever.
"Whatever information you have, and whether you are sure that it is the same vehicle or not, pass it on and we will assess its importance."
Olivia's family have also begged people to "do the right thing" and help find the killer "who took our baby away from us".
They said in a statement: "We as a family are heartbroken and have lost a huge part of our life.
"If anyone knows anything, now is the time to speak up.
"It is not about being a ‘snitch’ or a ‘grass’, it is about finding out who took our baby away from us.
"Please do the right thing."
Olivia's death was the third fatal shooting in Liverpool in less than a week.
Ashley Dale, 28, was shot dead just two miles away in her back garden in Old Swan in a case of mistaken identity.
Police confirmed a man and woman have been arrested over her death.
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In a separate bloodbath, Sam Rimmer, 22, was shot dead on Wednesday in Toxteth with three people arrested.
A woman in her 50s was also stabbed to death outside a pub in Kirkby.
