Man shot in Liverpool attack which killed 9-year-old girl arrested

The 35-year-old man who was the suspected target of a masked gunman has been arrested

Forensics officers on Kingsheath Avenue in Knotty Ash
Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 24th Aug 2022
Last updated 24th Aug 2022

A 35-year-old man who is believed to be the intended target of a masked gunman who killed nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool has been arrested for breaching the terms of his release from prison.

Merseyside Police said he's been detained in hospital and will be questioned in connection with the nine-year-old’s murder.

Olivia was fatally shot in her own home in the Dovecot area of Liverpool on Monday night when the intended victim forced his way in as he tried to escape the gunman chasing him.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said the 35-year-old had allegedly breached his licence conditions with “poor behaviour” and had been detained in hospital.

A statement from Merseyside Police said: “A 35-year-old man, suspected to have been the target of the shooting, has been detained in hospital on a prison recall after breaching the terms of his licence.

“He will be recalled to prison to serve the remainder of his licence. He will be further questioned in connection with the murder and remains in a stable condition.”

The man who had entered the family home suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body and, as Olivia lay dying, was picked up and taken to hospital by friends driving a dark-coloured Audi.

The force would not say when he was released from prison.

Police have urged the people of Liverpool to turn in the gunman who shot Olivia.

Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour, on Planet Rock on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app.