Four men arrested over tragic Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 9, released on bail after she was gunned down in her own home
FOUR men arrested after nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead in her own home have today been bailed.
Innocent Olivia, nine, was caught in the crossfire of an alleged “tit-for-tat” gang war in Liverpool on August 22.
Cops probing Olivia’s death today confirmed that all four suspects arrested have been bailed.
A 34-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder on Sunday and questioned by police.
Police also interviewed a 41-year-old man and a 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A fourth man, 34, was held on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The bloodbath unfolded when intended target Joseph Nee rushed into Olivia’s home to escape a gunman who shot at him and a second man on the street.
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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.
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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.
Olivia’s “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.
It was previously thought just one firearm had been used – with cops still searching for the weapons.
Yesterday, Olivia’s dad John Francis Pratt and his family today paid tribute to the youngster.
He also shared touching footage of Olivia cuddling up to him at a Christmas market while riding on a carousel.
They said: “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.
“We know that there has been an exceptional response to police appeals and we would like to thank those who have come forward.
HORROR KILLING
“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.”
The family also thanked “good-hearted and kind” family, friends and neighbours for their support following the horror.
And they urged anyone with information to come forward as loved ones continue to wait for justice.
The heartbroken family added: “We don’t want another child to lose their life in such horrendous circumstances and we don’t want to see another family suffer like we are suffering now.
“Olivia’s death cannot be in vain and 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.
“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.”