Detectives searching land at golf course to find weapon that killed Olivia, 9

Detectives investigating the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel are searching land at a golf course in a bid to find the weapon that claimed her life.

An ‘extensive land search’ is being carried out at West Derby Golf Club in West Derby, Liverpool, three weeks after nine-year-old Olivia was gunned down in her home in Dovecot on August 22.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said Merseyside Police remained focused on its ‘relentless pursuit’ of the man responsible for the death of the schoolgirl and people 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,’ DCS Kameen said.

The search will take place in the area where the old Deysbrook Barracks was located.

Officers are being supported by the North West Underwater Search Team and the Merseyside Police drone unit.

DCS Kameen has vowed not to stop until officers have obtained the evidence necessary to put Olivia’s killer behind bars.

The force is ‘working round the clock’ to find those responsible after a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into Olivia’s home at around 10pm.

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

DCS Kameen added: ‘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.

‘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.’

He urged anyone with information to come forward to help bring Olivia’s killer to justice.

‘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.’

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of 22nd August.