Criminals and the Liverpool community are being urged to “examine their consciences” and give up the gunman who killed a nine-year-old girl.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the girl – who has officially been named as Olivia Pratt-Korbel – died on Monday night when a 35-year-old man, who was unknown to the family, ran into her home on Kingsheath Avenue, in the Notty Ash area, as he tried to get away from a gunman.
Her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, was also shot in the wrist as she tried to close the door on the gunman while Olivia stood behind her.
Olivia suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in a critical condition, where she later sadly died.
In a news conference delivered yesterday, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen explained that Olivia had been at home with her two older siblings and mother when Ms Korbel opened the door after hearing gunshots fired outside.
DCS Kameen said a figure – who was wearing a black padded jacket, a black balaclava with a peak, dark trousers and black gloves – fired shots at two men walking along Kingsheath Avenue, which prompted them them to run away, and one of the men ran towards the open door of Olivia’s home and forced his way in.
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The gunman also suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body, before he was picked up and taken to hospital by friends driving a car has since been seized by police.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy has called Olivia’s death an “absolute tragedy” in a plea urging the criminals to come forward.
She said: “I know that the murder of Olivia has rocked our communities, who are quite rightly upset and outraged that such an abhorrent crime has occurred here on the streets of Merseyside… [but] the people of Liverpool and Merseyside are known for their compassion and pulling together in times of crisis, and I know that in our communities, people are wanting to help the family in any way possible.”
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“This is not the time for anyone who knows who’s responsible for this shooting to remain tight-lipped,” she added.
“It is time for our communities to come together with us and make Merseyside a place where the use of guns on our streets is totally unacceptable, and those who use them are held to account.”
Kingsheath Avenue in Liverpool, where a Olivia Pratt-Korbel was fatally shot / Credit: Google Maps
Merseyside Police is appealing to “members of the criminal fraternity” and is asking them to “examine their consciences” to give up the gunman and come forward with any “vital information that can help” in their ongoing investigation.
“The killing of a nine-year-old child is an absolute tragedy and crosses every single boundary, and I would urge them to do the right thing, so we can put this person behind bars,” Chief Constable Kennedy concluded.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of 22 August.
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.