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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Olivia Pratt-Korbel wanted to be 'teacher or vet' before tragic death

Olivia Pratt-Korbel had dreams of becoming "a teacher or a vet" before she was shot dead at home.

The nine-year-old was shot dead by a gunman at her home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot on Monday, August 22. Olivia was hit by a stray bullet from a gunman chasing convicted criminal Joseph Nee at around 10pm.

Nee forced his way into her home when her mum, 46-year-old Cheryl Korbel, opened the front door to investigate the noise. But the gunman followed Nee and unleashed a hail of bullets, hitting Olivia in the chest with the same bullet that injured Cheryl.

READ MORE: Police search golf club for gun used to kill Olivia Pratt-Korbel

Olivia was rushed to nearby Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she later died. Nine people have been arrested in connection with Olivia's murder but nobody has yet been charged.

Olivia's family paid tribute to Olivia calling her "a unique, chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born". They added: "She loved life and all it had to offer. Although her life was short, her personality certainly wasn't and she lived it to the most she could, and would blow people away with her wit and kindness."

And now Merseyside Police 's head of investigations has revealed Olivia had aspirations of becoming "a teacher or vet". Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: “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."

DSC Kameen added that detectives working on Olivia's murder case have been "working around the clock" but need more information and help finding the guns. Merseyside Police search teams announced a day of land search at nearby West Derby Golf Course today, Monday, September 12.

DSC Kameen said teams including North West Underwater Search Team and Merseyside Police 's drone unit were deployed to carry out an "extensive land search" following information. He added: "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.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of 22 nd August.

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