A new Channel 4 documentary is set to air tonight that will look into the murders of Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
The pair were both shot and killed in their homes in two separate incidents relating to feuds between gangs. Neither were the intended targets.
Ashley was 28 years old and Olivia just nine years old.
Channel 4 is now preparing to air a new four-part documentary series, Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia.
And ahead of the first episode’s debut, Merseyside Police have issued a statement warning viewers that it will be a ‘hard, emotional watch’.
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They said in a statement today: “Tonight, the first episode of a new four-part documentary series ‘Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia’ will air on Channel4.
“The series, by @LAProductionsUK, will give you a behind the scenes look at our work during the devastating murders of 28-year-old Ashley Dale and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in August 2022.
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“Our thoughts continue to be, and will forever remain with, the families of Ashley and Olivia and anyone else affected by the tragedies.”
Merseyside Detectives documentary about Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Korbel murders will be ‘hard, emotional watch’, police warn. Credit: Channel 4
Speaking of the documentary, they continued: “The series, which features Olivia and Ashley’s families, is a hard, emotional watch, which shows the police response from the first call received to the first responders attending, through to the investigations and subsequent convictions of the offenders.
“If you need any support, please contact Victim Care Merseyside here: https://victimcaremerseyside.org
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“Merseyside Detectives will air at 9pm every night until Thursday.”
You can see more and watch Merseyside Detectives here.
Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Manchester for first time in 50 years
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester will become the new host city for the TV Festival from 2027 onwards it was announced today.
For the first time in five decades, following an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process – which was launched in 2025 – the prestigious festival is set to move from its home in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to our region from 2027 onwards, beating out other major northern cities like Newcastle in the process.
As part of a UK-wide strategic review into the event’s long-term future, the Festival’s board of directors say the review was undertaken in order to ‘examine how the TV Festival could continue to grow’ amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the television industry.
Greater Manchester‘s ‘successful and comprehensive’ bid included commitments around affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential.
Plans include holding the Festival in locations in the newly developed St. John’s creative and cultural district.
“Greater Manchester presented a vision for the Festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates,” commented Campbell Glennie, who is the CEO of the TV Festival and The TV Foundation.
“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the Festival as well as the cost of passes.
“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance – it gives us the strongest platform to grow the Festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said being chosen as TV Festival hosts is ‘brilliant news’ for Greater Manchester, adding: “It speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.”
The final Edinburgh edition of the TV Festival will take place this August, and dates and further details for the TV Festival in 2027 will be shared later this year.
Daisy Jackson -
19th August 2024 
