Father of Olivia Pratt-Korbel says her death ‘cannot be in vain’ in call for end to gun crime

The father of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot and killed in Liverpool, has said her death “cannot be in vain”.

John Francis Pratt, and his wider family, said in a statement: “We want people to feel safe and be safe.

“That can only happen if we all come together and make sure there is no place for guns, or those who use guns on our streets or in our communities.”

Olivia died after being shot in her home in the Dovecot area of Liverpool when a gunman chased Joseph Nee, a convicted burglar, into the property at about 10pm on 22 August.

Her mother, Cheryl Korbel, was also injured.

The statement also said the family had been “deprived of a real light in our lives”.

“Olivia was a real bright spark who knew her own mind, had no problem making friends (she would talk to anyone) and loved to laugh and make people laugh.

“She could be a proper wind-up merchant and loved to wind her nieces up, particularly those who were older than her, and when they didn’t like it she’d just laugh and say ‘don’t forget I’m your aunty’.

“Olivia’s future has been cruelly snatched away from her and we have been deprived of a real light in our lives.”

The statement went on: “If you have information make sure you tell the police and if you don’t feel able to do that give the information to Crimestoppers anonymously so action can be taken.

“If you can’t do it for yourself, do it in Olivia’s name and for children across Merseyside who deserve to enjoy their lives to the full.

“We know that there has been an exceptional response to police appeals and we would like to thank those who have come forward.

“At the same time, we want to urge others who may have evidence to keep coming forward with information which could help put those responsible for our Olivia’s murder behind bars.”

A 34-year-old man from Liverpool who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder remains in custody after police were granted an extension to continue questioning him.

Three other men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Mourners have been asked to wear a “splash of pink” for Olivia’s funeral later this month.

A service will be held for the nine-year-old in Liverpool on 15 September.

The church next to her school held a vigil for Olivia last week.