The family of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel have appealed for people to “do the right thing” to help find out “who took our baby away from us”.

Olivia was shot in her home in Liverpool on Monday night and a huge murder investigation is now under way to track down her killer.

In a statement, her family praised their “unique, chatty, nosey little girl” who was “adored by everyone who knew her”.

They called on anyone with information about what happened to Olivia to come forward, saying it is not about being a “snitch” or a “grass”.

Police say officers are pursuing a “number of very positive lines of inquiry” as they hunt the gunman.

Olivia was shot dead by a masked attacker while inside her home in Kingsheath Avenue, in the Dovecot area of the city.

Two Everton FC players, along with manager Frank Lampard, have called on communities to come together.

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Her family said: “Liv was a unique chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born. She loved life and all it had to offer.

“Liv loved dressing up and was very particular on how she was dressed, like any other little girl she loved doing her makeup and nails, she was nine going on 19.

“Liv was adored by everyone who knew her and would instantly make friends with anyone and everyone. She was often seen going up and down the street on her new bike she had just got for her birthday.

“Although her life was short, her personality certainly wasn’t and she lived it to the most she could, and would blow people away with her wit and kindness.

“We as a family are heartbroken and have lost a huge part of our life.

“If anyone knows anything, now is the time to speak up. It is not about being a ‘snitch’ or a ‘grass’, it is about finding out who took our baby away from us. Please do the right thing.”

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The gunman involved in Olivia’s killing was chasing 35-year-old convicted burglar Joseph Nee, who ran into the terraced house to get away.

Giving an update on the investigation into the “brutal, callous, thoughtless attack” on Thursday, Merseyside Police Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said the alleged-murderer had failed to hand himself in.

“My message to him remains the same: We will not rest until we find you – and we will find you,” he said.

Officers from Merseyside Police have been carrying out a series of raids targeting gun crime in the city – as tributes continue to pour in for the schoolgirl.

Everton FC player Tom Davies said tragedies like Olivia’s killing “are occurring far too often”.

He added: “Enough is enough. Our communities need to come together now more than ever.

“If you know anything about the incident, please let the authorities know. Gun and knife crime is no part of our city. So please, let’s come together to help stop this.”

Teammate Connor Coady said: “We need to show strength in our community and say, enough is enough. Whose side are you on?”

Team manager Frank Lampard added: “Keeping quiet is not an option. Enough is enough. Whose side are you on?”

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