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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
David Humphreys

Friends leave tributes to 'little ray of sunshine' Olivia Pratt-Korbel

Colourful tributes to a “little ray of sunshine” have been created by friends of Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

The Drive community hub shared images on social media of artwork made by some of the nine-year-old’s friends in the aftermath of her tragic death this week. More than a dozen colourful paper birds hung on a display ornament with messages from children in the Dovecot community.

One wrote: “R.I.P. baby girl” with another leaving a message of “Fly high Liv”. Two poignant messages were left by the youngster’s friends, including “Rest in peace little angel” with another describing Olivia as a “little ray of sunshine you will be missed”.

READ MORE: Man arrested on suspicion of murdering Ashley Dale in her home

The Finch Lane site shared its own tribute on Twitter, adding: “Fly high beautiful angel Olivia Pratt-Korbel”. The entire city of Liverpool has come together to call for change after the murder of Olivia on Monday night.

People across Merseyside have been left devastated by the news of nine-year-old's death, which came days after the killings of Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer. Merseyside Police believe Joseph Nee, 35, who was being chased by a man armed with a gun, forced his way into Olivia's house at around 10pm.

Nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel (PA)

The gunman ran in after Nee, firing a number of shots - one of which hit Olivia's mum Cheryl in the wrist before fatally wounding the youngster. A dark-coloured Audi then appeared at the address and picked Nee up, leaving Cheryl and daughter Olivia behind.

Merseyside Police confirmed Nee had been arrested for breaching his licence conditions. He remains in hospital in a stable condition, where he has been detained.

It is believed that Nee will be recalled to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence. Senior officers held a police briefing this morning as investigations into the killing continue and confirmed a second man who was targeted by the gunman has been identified.

Olivia's mum Cheryl has also left Aintree hospital for the first time since her daughter's death. As well as identifying the second man, ACC Chris Green and DCS Mark Kameen confirmed that the force is now following a number of lines of enquiry into the murder.

During their Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday evening, Tranmere Rovers held a minute’s applause in the 9th minute as they faced Newcastle United, while figures from across the city came together to support a campaign to call for an end to gun crime in Liverpool.

Anyone with information, footage or images is asked to contact police via the following link Public Portal (mipp.police.uk), @MerPolCC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000621566.

Those who don’t feel confident speaking to police can contact their elected officials, MPs and councillors.

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