“She was a real bright spark” Olivia Pratt Korbel’s dad pays tribute to his daughter

The family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel have today paid tribute and thank have thanked Merseyside for its support during the hunt for her killer.

Olivia’s Dad John Francis Pratt, and his wider family said she was “a real bright spark…who loved to laugh”. He also urges people to come forward saying “Olivia’s death cannot be in vain ”

The full statement from John and his family reads:”

“Words can’t express the pain we are going through after Olivia was so cruelly snatched away from us. Those responsible need to know what they have done.

“Olivia was a real bright spark who knew her own mind, had no problem making friends (she would talk to anyone) and loved to laugh and make people laugh. She could be a proper wind up merchant and loved to wind her nieces up, particularly those who were older than her and when they didn’t like it she’d just laugh and say ‘don’t forget I’m your aunty’.

“Olivia’s future has been cruelly snatched away from her and we have been deprived of a real light in our lives. We know that there has been an exceptional response to police appeals and we would like to thank those who have come forward. At the same time we want to urge others who may have evidence to keep coming forward with information which could help put those responsible for our Olivia’s murder behind bars.

WATCH: The dad of 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel has released video of them enjoying a special Christmas moment. In a tribute John said: “Words can’t express the pain we're going through. Those responsible need to know what they've done." Read in full here https://t.co/VfmMKJ8yfM pic.twitter.com/qO6KlJUolw

— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) September 6, 2022

“We have been really taken aback by the kindness and support we have received from family, friends and neighbours in the last two weeks and we would like to thank them for being there for us. We know that most people on Merseyside are good-hearted and kind just like them and we all need to stand together.

“We don’t want another child to lose their life in such horrendous circumstances and we don’t want to see another family suffer like we are suffering now.

“Olivia’s death cannot be in vain and we want people to feel safe and be safe, that can only happen if we all come together and make sure there is no place for guns, or those who use guns on our streets or in our communities. If you have information make sure you tell the police and if you don’t feel able to do that give the information to Crimestoppers anonymously so action can be taken. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it in Olivia’s name and for children across Merseyside who deserve to enjoy their lives to the full.”

The family have also released a video of Olivia with her Dad at a Christmas Market in Liverpool city centre and a couple of new photographs.

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.

If you have any CCTV/dashcam/smart doorbell footage that could help our inquiries they can be downloaded on the dedicated public portal for Olivia’s murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team. Footage can be submitted here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)