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New photos of Olivia Pratt-Korbel released as police continue to hunt for killer
Olivia has been described as ‘a little ray of sunshine’ by the headteacher of her school
New photos of Olivia Pratt-Korbel have been released to the public as the manhunt for her killer continues.
Nine-year-old Olivia was fatally shot when a gunman forced his way into her home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, while chasing another man on Monday evening.
Olivia’s mum Cheryl was shot in the wrist and the youngster was hit in the chest. She later died from her injuries in Alder Hey Hospital.
Tributes to Olivia have been flooding in since the tragedy, with her best friend Hattie sharing a heartbreaking message to her ‘big sister’.
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According to the Liverpool Echo, Hattie’s message read: “Olivia you are the best friend anyone could wish for, like my big sister. I will miss you so much. Lots of love Hattie xx.”
Rebecca Wilkinson, the head teacher at St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School, where Olivia was a pupil, said the whole school was in ‘shock and disbelief’.
Wilkinson said Olivia had been ‘kind hearted’ and ‘a little ray of sunshine’, and was a ‘lively little soul [who was] very, very popular with all her peers’.
She said the staff are ‘devastated’ and ‘can’t imagine how the children are going to feel when they come back to school and she’s no longer here’.
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While police remain on the hunt for the gunman responsible for Olivia’s death, the man who was chased into her home and shot has been arrested and remanded to prison.
Joseph Nee, thirty-five, had previously been jailed for drug offences, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified.
Police confirmed Nee will be further questioned in connection with the murder.
Merseyside Police announced yesterday that two anonymous sources had come forward with a name for the suspect.
News that detectives had been given a lead has been welcomed by Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, who told BBC News: “I’m really pleased to hear information is coming forward.
“It was the plea that was put out yesterday – we know somebody out there will know what happened and who is involved.”
This comes after officers previously urged people to ‘get beyond’ the culture of ‘not grassing to police’ and come forward with information.
Anyone with information, footage or images is asked to contact Merseyside Police using the online Public Portal or @MerPolCC on social media, with reference 22000621566. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.