Shooting victim's mum urges witnesses to speak out

Olivia smiles for the camera as she tilts her head. She has long dark brown hair and is raising her hand in a peace sign.Image source, family handout
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Olivia Pratt-Korbel died when a gunman charged into their house in August 2022 while chasing another criminal

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The mother of a nine-year-old girl who was fatally shot in her own home has joined a campaign to urge communities to "speak out" against violent crime.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed when drug dealer Thomas Cashman opened fire while chasing another criminal in the Dovecot area of Liverpool on 22 August 2022.

Following repeated witness appeals in the wake of her death, a prosecutor said many people were "afraid of coming forward" due to fear of reprisals.

Olivia's mother Cheryl Korbel has joined the parents of two other Merseyside shooting victims - Ashley Dale and Elle Edwards - to encourage people to report criminals to "keep our communities safe".

Ms Korbel said: "It has been three years since I last heard [Olivia] laugh, put her to bed or held her hand but the pain of her loss still feels like it happened yesterday."

She is supporting Merseyside Police's Evolve scheme, which was set up with government funds to help regenerate crime-affected areas.

It was set up after the three shootings in 2022.

The force said intelligence reports had trebled in the areas in which the scheme had been rolled out.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: "That is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now."

Composite of Elle Edwards and Ashley Dale. Elle Edwards wears a black blazer over a white top and has long blonde hair with dark streaks. Ashley Dale holds a wine glass as she smiles for the camera at a restaurant. She wears a white top and has long blonde hair.Image source, Family handouts
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The parents of Elle Edwards and Ashley Dale are also encouraging people to report criminals

Tim Edwards, whose 26-year-old daughter Elle was an innocent bystander when she was killed in a gang feud outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022, said: "We can't change what happened to her but we can help stop it from happening to someone else.

"If you know something, please come forward. Your courage could save a life and spare another family the pain we live with every day."

The mother of Ashley Dale, who was killed in a separate gang feud a day before Olivia Pratt-Korbel, said the last three years had been a "living nightmare".

Julie Dale has been collaborating with Knowsley Council, where her 28-year-old daughter worked as an environmental health officer, to help empower girls and women to avoid serious crime.

Jordan Henderson wearing a full-sleeve red vest emblazoned with the words RIP Olivia YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) as he applauds fans at Anfield.Image source, EPA
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The then Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was among those highlighting Olivia's death as police searched for her killer in August 2022

Four men were ultimately convicted of murdering Ms Dale.

James Witham burst into her Liverpool home and began firing while in search of her partner following a drugs feud.

Julie Dale said: "We count ourselves one of the 'lucky' ones as we have been able to get justice for Ashley.

"Sadly, there are families who are still waiting for justice, knowing that their loved one's killers are still out there walking our streets."

The three grieving families' remarks come as the mother of Sam Rimmer appealed for help in catching his killer.

The 22-year-old was also shot in August 2022.

Detectives say they believe they know his killers' identity but lack a "key piece of evidence... that would prove that".

Olivia wears a tiara and a white-and-pink t-shirt. She smiles as she holds a Happy Birthday sign in front of an arch of red and blue balloons, next to a large cutout of Ariel from the animated Disney film The Little Mermaid.Image source, PA Media
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Ahead of the third anniversary of her death, a photograph has been released of Olivia Pratt-Korbel on her ninth birthday

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the Evolve scheme, which has been rolled out to Netherton, Everton, Vauxhall and Wirral, had "made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks".

She added: "The hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference - building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported."

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