Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Reward of £50k offered in hunt for girl's killer

Police are continuing to appeal for more information about Olivia's killer

A £50,000 reward has been offered in the search for the killer of Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool.

The nine-year-old was shot during a struggle when a gunman burst into her home on 22 August.

The money has been put up by Crimestoppers founder Lord Ashcroft for information that leads to the conviction of the schoolgirl's killer.

Merseyside Police has so far arrested nine men as part of the investigation but no charges have been brought.

The shooting happened when the gunman chased another man into Olivia's home.

Olivia's mother Cheryl Korbel was shot in the wrist as she tried to shut the door and her daughter suffered a fatal shot to her chest.

Lord Ashcroft said: "We need to catch the cowards responsible.

"Olivia's murder has shocked us all, which is why I have made this personal offer to help get justice for Olivia's family and friends.

"What happened is truly unacceptable and I say to anyone who has information that can help catch the killer to come forward completely anonymously."

Officers were seen searching a stream at West Derby Golf Club

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: "We know it can be difficult to speak up about someone who is involved in serious crime, especially if they are close to you.

"Nobody will know you contacted us, and you will be doing the right thing for Olivia, her family, friends and the wider community who are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy."

Earlier in the week police carried out a search of West Derby Golf Club for two guns used in the attack.

Speaking on Monday, Det Ch Supt Mark Kameen said: "We have made nine arrests and we are building up an evidential picture, but we still need more information and we need to find the guns."

"I would appeal to anyone who has information which could help us with our investigation to come forward.

"This offender and those protecting him are a blight on the community and the impact they have on the decent people of the community is toxic."

Olivia's funeral is due to take place at St Margaret Mary's Church in Dovecot on Thursday.