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Olivia Pratt-Korbel police.JPG
Reuters
Olivia Pratt-Korbel police.JPG
Reuters
UK News

'No more guns': Local church of Olivia Pratt-Korbel dedicate Mass to 9-year-old killed in Liverpool

by Sophie Drew

A priest serving at the local church of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, a 9-year-old shot in her own home in Merseyside, has dedicated an emotional Mass to the life of the young girl.

Olivia was at home with her mother when violence erupted in the street outside her home. When her mother opened the door to see what was happening, men raced into her home to seek refuge. 

Hiding behind her mother, Olivia was fatally shot when she was caught in the crossfire. 

Her death marked the third fatal shooting in Merseyside in a week. 

It's spurred a clampdown on the use of firearms and gun violence across the county. 

On Sunday 28th August, the Church of the Holy Spirit, in Dovecot, reflected on the death of the primary schooler during their Mass.  

Reverend Peter Smyth became emotional, as he spoke about the effect the tragedy has had on the community - particularly Olivia's family. 

He said: "What do we say or do when something so unspeakably horrific as murder happens in our own community? 

"Even worse, the murder of a child who was in what should have been the safest place in the world; in her own home, with her mum."

As part of their sunday school activities, the children were asked to draw their feelings. 

Multiple posters read: "No more guns", with a picture of a weapon.

Another said: "Justice for Olivia." 

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