Tragic Liverpool Shooting Claims Life of 9-Year-Old Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was the innocent victim in a horrific shooting that rocked Liverpool’s Dovecot neighbourhood last night. Police revealed Olivia’s family had no link to the gunman — they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Gunman Storms House in Knotty Ash
The terrifying attack happened around 10pm on Kingsheath Avenue. Two men were walking home when a masked man in a black padded jacket opened fire. One of the men, aged 35, forced his way into Olivia’s home. The shooter followed him inside.
Olivia was standing behind her mother, Cheryl, when the shots rang out. Olivia was hit in the chest and later died from her injuries. Cheryl was also wounded in the attack. The 35-year-old man was shot too and rushed to hospital by friends in a black Audi.
“We now believe that two men were walking along Kingsheath Avenue from Finch Lane around 10pm,” Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said. “A lone man, about 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, dressed all in black with a balaclava and gloves, was carrying a handgun.”
Community in Shock, Police Hunt ‘Cowardly’ Killer
The murder has shaken the local community. Neighbours reported hearing four shots before emergency services arrived. Children have even put up signs warning about guns on the streets.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Our communities want to help this family. Now is not the time for anyone with information to stay silent.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims called the attack “cowardly” and expressed condolences to Olivia’s family.
Echoes of a Past Tragedy
This terrible event happened 15 years after the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, who was shot near the Fir Tree pub in Liverpool. Rhys was an innocent bystander caught in gang violence — just like Olivia.
Labour MP Paula Barker said: “This senseless violence must end. Liverpool is horrified this morning, but we come together in times of adversity.”
Home Secretary Pledges Support
Home Secretary Priti Patel voiced her “heartfelt condolences” to the family and urged anyone with information to come forward. She confirmed full support and resources for Merseyside Police’s investigation.
With sniffer dogs and forensic teams still scouring the scene, police are scrambling to find the shooter and bring justice for Olivia.
The people of Merseyside have been left devastated — and demands for action are louder than ever.
