LAST UPDATE | 26 Aug 2022

A MAN HAS been arrested on suspicion of the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel who was shot dead in her home in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said the 36-year-old murder suspect was also arrested over two attempted murders.

He is from the Huyton area of Liverpool and is in custody being questioned by detectives.

He was arrested after an operation involving armed officers in Merseyside last night.

The young girl’s family had earlier appealed to people to “do the right thing” and help find out “who took our baby away from us” as they paid tribute to her.

Her mother Cheryl, 46, was also injured in the shooting.

In a statement released by Merseyside Police, Olivia’s family said: “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 described Olivia, or Liv, as a “unique, chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born”.

They said: “She loved life and all it had to offer.

“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.

“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.”

The family also thanked people across the world for their help and support, as well as Merseyside Police and staff at both Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Aintree Hospital, where Olivia’s mother was treated for an injury to her wrist.

Everton’s manager Frank Lampard echoed the family’s message and urged people to come forward with information.

In a video posted to the team’s Twitter page, alongside the caption “Enough is enough”, he said: “Following the tragic death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, our entire community needs to come together.

“If you know anything or have any information on the incident, please let the authorities know. Keeping quiet is not an option. Enough is enough. Whose side are you on?”

Police revealed a number of names had been provided to officers who are continuing to hunt for the gunman who killed Olivia.

Convicted burglar Joseph Nee, 35, from the Dovecot area of Liverpool, has been named as the intended target of the shooting.