Olivia Pratt-Korbel's funeral takes place today

Mourners have been asked to wear a splash of pink

Author: Frankie GoldingPublished 15th Sep 2022
Last updated 15th Sep 2022

A funeral mass for 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel is taking place today at St Margaret Mary's Church in Dovecot.

Mourners have been asked by Olivia's family to wear 'a splash of pink' in memory of their little girl.

A memorial for Olivia Pratt-Korbel at St Margaret Mary's Church

Classmates to watch Olivia's favourite film

Olivia's headteacher Rebecca Wilkinson says Olivia's friends will not be attending the service later, but will remember Olivia in other ways.

They'll watch her favourite film - Matilda - in the afternoon. Before that, during the morning, each year group at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School will create a flower, all of which will then be put together to create a lasting memorial for Olivia.

The schoolgirl was fatally shot in her home on Monday August 22 as a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into their property at around 10pm.

Her mother, Cheryl Korbel, 46, was also injured.

Merseyside Police have arrested nine men as part of their investigation into her death, all of which have since been bailed.

This week, officers have been searching at West Derby Golf Club for the two guns used in the attack.

The founder of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft, has also announced he has made a financial contribution to help catch Olivia's killer.

Writing on Twitter, Lord Ashcroft said: "We need to catch the cowards responsible for the death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

"I am offering £50,000 for information, given via @CrimestoppersUK, that leads to them being jailed."

Merseyside Police have urged anyone with potentially relevant information to submit it directly to their investigation team through an online portal.

Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.

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