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.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
News
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Emily Sergeant -
24th August 2022 
