Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Police search golf club for weapon 3 weeks after girl shot dead

Detectives say ‘extensive land search’ being carried out at West Derby Golf Club

Officers search waterways at a golf course for the murder weapon (Merseyside Police)

Police are searching land at a golf course for the weapon that killed nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel as the murder investigation into the death of the young girl continues.

Olivia was fatally shot and her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, was injured when a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into their home in Dovecot, Liverpool.

Three weeks on from the death of the schoolgirl, Merseyside Police said an “extensive land search” was being carried out at West Derby Golf Club.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: “Three weeks on and our investigation continues in our relentless pursuit of the man responsible for Olivia‘s murder and those who are shielding him.

“I promised that we would leave no stone unturned in our hunt for the offender and the guns used on that night, and today following information we are carrying out an extensive land search at West Derby Golf Club in our hunt for those weapons.

“Our search teams are being supported by the North West Underwater Search Team and the Merseyside Police drone unit.”

The search will take place in the area where the old Deysbrook Barracks used to be, the force said.

Mr Kameen added: “My message to the offender is clear - we will not stop until we have the evidence to put you before the courts and behind bars.

Olivia was fatally shot and her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46, was injured when a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into their home in Dovecot, Liverpool at about 10pm. (PA)

“Olivia‘s family are absolutely broken by her tragic loss, which has robbed a beautiful young child of the life and future she should have been looking forward to.

“Olivia wanted to be a teacher or a vet and her family have described her as someone who liked to laugh and make others laugh.

“She was an innocent young child in her own home, who should have been safe.

“Since Olivia‘s murder the investigation team has been working around the clock.

“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.

Police search for the weapon involved in the killing of Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Merseyside Police)

“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.

“The information you have could be that vital piece of information we need to find justice for Olivia and her family. If you know anything please get in touch.

“All information received will be acted upon.”

Last week Olivia’s mother told the young girl’s killer to “own up” in her first public comments since the shooting.

In a video filmed and released by Merseyside Police she paid tribute to her “little shadow” and said what she missed most about her daughter was hearing her talk.

Nine men arrested in connection with her death have all been bailed.

Additional reporting by PA