Police release footage of man ‘seen in area’ when Olivia Pratt-Korbel was gunned down in her own home
POLICE investigating the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel have released fresh footage of a man “seen in the area” at the time.
Innocent Olivia, nine, was caught in the crossfire of an alleged “tit-for-tat” gang war in Liverpool.
Police are still desperately hunting the gunman who killed her – and today released footage of a man they believe could help find him.
CCTV shows the potential witness in a hooded jacket walking through the area on August 22 while rifling through his pockets.
Cops have not suggested he is linked to the crime – but said he may have “important information” which could help catch Olivia’s killer.
Sharing the footage today, Merseyside Police wrote: “We need to know who this man is as he was in the area when 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot and killed in her own home in #Liverpool on August 22.
Read more on the shooting
“Do you know his name? Did you see him? We believe he may have important information that could help us catch her killer.”
Olivia was killed at her home in Kingsheath Avenue, Liverpool, when the gunman forced his way in.
The “cold-blooded” killer was caught on CCTV running away from the property moments after the horror.
Head of Investigations Mark Kameen said it is believed he was carrying two guns that were used in the fatal shooting.
It was previously believed just one gun had been used – with cops still searching for the weapons.
Most read in The Sun
Releasing separate CCTV footage of the killer earlier this week, DCS Kameen urged anyone with information to come forward as he threatened those hiding the monster with police action.
He said: “This is the man we are hunting. We need to know where he went that night. I need to know if you saw him in that area.
“I know there will be people shielding him and helping this man avoid being found by the police.
“If you are found doing this, then we will do everything legitimately possible to bring you to justice.
“It is beyond comprehension how anyone could protect or harbour a man who is responsible for killing a nine-year-old child.
“This man is toxic. He is toxic to our communities and if you’re protecting him, he is toxic to you and your family.”
This man is toxic. He is toxic to our communities and if you’re protecting him, he is toxic to you and your family.
Head of Investigations Mark Kameen
The officer confirmed the gunman was wearing a black hooded jacket, black balaclava with black gloves and black trainers with distinctive white soles.
He asked anyone who saw the gunman running along Finch Lane away from Olivia’s home in Kingsheath Avenue to get in touch.
DCS Kameen confirmed the suspect turned right into Berryford Road and clambered through gardens to escape.
In an update on the weapons used, he said the investigation team had worked with the National Ballistics Intelligence Service.
The officer added: “I want to know where those guns are now.
“You may have been told to hide them or dispose of them – I understand you may be frightened of contacting us, but I want you to do the right thing for Olivia and tell us where they are right now.
“If you are hiding the guns and you have no intention of telling us, then I place you in the same category as the vile man responsible for the murder. And we will hunt you too.”
BLOODBATH
It comes after two men arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder were bailed.
They were a 36-year-old man from Huyton and a 33-year-old man from Dovecot.
The older man has been recalled to prison after breaching the terms of his licence.
The bloodbath unfolded when intended target Joseph Nee rushed into Olivia’s home to escape a gunman who shot at him and a second male on the street.
Mum Cheryl appeared to have opened the front door to see what the commotion was when the 35-year-old forced his way inside.
The shooter then followed and began peppering the home with bullets – hitting Cheryl first then Olivia, who was standing behind her mum.
Tragically, Olivia was declared dead shortly after, while her mum was treated for a gunshot wound to the wrist.
Intended target Nee was treated for multiple wounds to his upper body.
As Olivia lay dying, his friends picked him up in a black Audi and took him to hospital.
Nee has since been recalled to jail for breaching the terms of his release.
‘DO THE RIGHT THING’
The youngster’s heartbroken family paid tribute to the “unique, chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born”.
They said in a statement: “We as a family are heartbroken and have lost a huge part of our life.
“If anyone knows anything, now is the time to speak up. It is not about being a ‘snitch’ or a ‘grass’, it is about finding out who took our baby away from us.
“Please do the right thing.”
The family also said Olivia “loved life and all it had to offer”.
They added: “Liv loved dressing up and was very particular on how she was dressed, like any other little girl she loved doing her make-up and nails, she was nine going on 19.
“Liv was adored by everyone who knew her and would instantly make friends with anyone and everyone.
Read More on The Sun
“She was often seen going up and down the street on her new bike she had just got for her birthday.
“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.”