Minggu, 28 Agustus 2022

Notting Hill Carnival returns after two-year absence - BBC

Notting Hill Carnival goersEPA/ANDY RAIN

Notting Hill Carnival has returned to west London's streets for the first time in two years.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the event to be put on hold in 2020 and 2021.

Sunday's event began with a run to remember the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and a 72-second silence was held at 15:00 BST.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he would "never forget" the tragedy that took place in June 2017 and said the community wanted "justice".

"What the community wants is two main things," Mr Khan said.

"One is for justice to happen and for those responsible be held to account and that still hasn't happened. And secondly for this to never happen again."

Notting Hill Carnival goers
Victoria Jones/PA Wire
Notting Hill Carnival goers
EPA/ANDY RAIN

The carnival's chief executive, Matthew Phillips, said although the pandemic had affected previous years, this year the cost of living crisis was the biggest worry.

He said some bands could not appear and the flamboyant costumes that featured in the main parade would be unaffordable for some.

Linett Kamala, who is on the carnival's board of trustees, said it had been expensive to stage the event.

"It is a free event but there's absolutely a cost to all of us involved in terms of materials, equipment hire, and storage hire," she said.

"It's been tough for all of the carnivalists, we've been affected by the pandemic too, but that's not deterred us, people will see an amazing carnival this year."

Notting Hill Carnival goers
Victoria Jones/PA Wire
Children at Notting Hill Carnival
EPA/ANDY RAIN

Marelle Steblecki, 29, said she was "excited" to finally wear a costume she had planned to wear pre-pandemic.

"I've had my particular costume, which is rose gold, purple and teal booked with my carnival band since 2018, so I've been waiting to wear this for two years," she said.

"The carnival band that I'm playing with chose their theme as Africa. It is good for people to see that there are true influences behind each costume."

Notting Hill Carnival goers
Reuters/HENRY NICHOLLS
Person on stilts at Notting Hill Carnival
Reuters/HENRY NICHOLLS

A second 48-hour bus strike in parts of west London could affect those attending the event.

Sadiq Khan urged everyone attending to arrive early and to make the most of the celebration.

"This community-led celebration of Caribbean history and culture has become one of the world's biggest street festivals and part of the very fabric of this city," he said.

Notting Hill Carnival goers
Victoria Jones/PA Wire
Parade at Notting Hill Carnival
Victoria Jones/PA Wire

There would be another 72-second silence at 15:00 BST on Monday to honour those who died in the Grenfell tragedy, organisers said.

The blaze destroyed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 residents.

Organisers said on Twitter: "We ask all those planning to attend this year's carnival and the participating bands and sound systems to work with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects.

"We stand by the Grenfell community and support them wholeheartedly."

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Crowds at Notting Hill Carnival
Victoria Jones/PA Wire

Notting Hill Carnival

  • The event takes place on the August Bank Holiday in Notting Hill, Westbourne Park and parts of Kensington
  • The spectacle of music, dancing, food and drink is rooted in Caribbean culture, and has been influenced by the Windrush generation
  • Over the past 55 years it has grown to become the second-biggest carnival in the world, after the one held in Rio de Janeiro
  • The event aims to "promote unity and bring people of all ages together"
  • The first festival was put on by Rhaune Laslett, who lived in Notting Hill and wanted to highlight and celebrate the diversity in her area
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The Metropolitan Police said thousands of officers were on duty to keep the public safe.

Commander Dr Alison Heydari said: "Being able to attend Carnival in person has been sorely missed for the last couple of years, so we are expecting large crowds in the Notting Hill area this weekend.

"We are also working to keep the area safe with the festival organisers implementing 'safer spaces' where women and girls can go and seek advice from specially trained professionals, as well as the police.

"Our officers are here to help you, if you feel like something doesn't look right please speak with us."

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2022-08-28 15:25:38Z
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Olivia Pratt-Korbel killing: Police in fresh appeal to public, saying 'you know her name, now we need the name of her murderer' - Sky News

Police have made a fresh appeal for information to find the killer of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool, saying "you know her name, now we need the name of her murderer".

Officers said she won't celebrate her 18th birthday, marry or have children as her life was cut short.

In a social media post, Merseyside Police released a video showing images of the schoolgirl who was fatally shot at her home in the Dovecot area last Monday evening, along with photos of two other recent gunshot victims in the city, Sam Rimmer and Ashley Dale.

'Rummage search' dogs
Image: 'Rummage search' dogs have been spotted in an area near Olivia's home

It comes as police "rummage search" dogs have been seen today in a cordoned area around Olivia's house.

At one point, officers lifted a dog on to the top of a hedge as part of the search.

Sky's Emma Birchley, at the scene, said: "We've seen detectives knocking on doors. There's a real momentum to try to move forward this investigation."

Officers have appealed for the public to name those who killed them, saying "silence is not an option" and people who might be withholding information were warned they are protecting murderers.

A voice-over in the video says: "We've got parents who've lost children. We've got a nine-year-old who won't celebrate her 18th birthday, she won't celebrate her wedding, she won't have children of her own."

It added: "If you've got information, and you're withholding it, you are protecting the killers. We need your information. Provide that information to us, and we'll do the rest."

A caption with the post said: "The progress we've made in seeking justice for Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Ashley Dale & Sam Rimmer is thanks to info from the public.

"Sadly we now all know Olivia, Ashley & Sam's names. Now we need their killer's."

Merseyside Police said anyone with information can contact them via social media or by calling 101.

CCTV, dashcam, and smart doorbell footage can be submitted online via mipp.police.uk.

Police released aerial footage of the arrest of a 36-year-old man on suspicion of Olivia's murder
Image: Police released aerial footage of the arrest of a 36-year-old man on suspicion of Olivia's murder

Council worker Ms Dale, 28, was found fatally wounded in the back garden of a house in Old Swan on Sunday 21 August. It is believed she was not the intended victim.

Mr Rimmer, 22, was shot in Dingle on Tuesday 16 August.

'Enormous community support'

A church service is being held in Liverpool today to remember Olivia.

Metro mayor for Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, told Sky News: "The community support here is enormous. You'll see solidarity like nowhere else. People do help each other out in times of crisis. And this is one such event. And so it's great that the church is helping those people hopefully to grieve and to come to terms with what's happened over this last week."

He added: "There's already growing anger at something of this magnitude happening. And so you can understand the devastation of people who really can't get their heads around what's happening so close to where they live."

Murder suspects released on bail

Police investigating Olivia's killing yesterday released on bail two men who had been arrested and questioned on suspicion of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

They were a 36-year-old man from Huyton and a 33-year-old man from Dovecot. The 36-year-old has been recalled to prison after breaching the terms of his licence.

Following their release, Sky's Emma Birchley said: "Having spoken to people around here, there was a sense of anger last night and disappointment.

"One mum said she was devastated, she'd really hoped the police had got the right person, but clearly they feel they have insufficient evidence to be able to charge anybody at this stage."

Officers were also seen carrying a door away from the scene of the attack, while Merseyside Police continues to seek information about a car.

"We are still appealing to anyone who saw a black Audi Q3 in the days leading up to the shooting, or has any information about its movements after leaving Kingsheath Avenue on the night of the shooting," the force said.

The Audi Q3 which has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police
Image: The Audi Q3 which has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wore a shirt at Anfield on Saturday with the message: "RIP Olivia, YNWA" (you'll never walk alone).

The schoolgirl was shot after a gunman chased his intended target, who has been named as 35-year-old convicted burglar Joseph Nee, into her family home.

Her mother Cheryl, 46, was injured in the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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2022-08-28 11:16:10Z
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Cost of living crisis: Liz Truss considers 'nuclear option' of cutting VAT to 15% - Sky News

Liz Truss is considering a "nuclear" option that could see VAT cut from 20% to 15%, according to reports.

A source told Sky News that Ms Truss "will consider options to help people, but it would not be right for her to announce her plans before she has been elected prime minister or seen all the facts".

Estimates suggest such a VAT cut would save the average household more than £1,300 a year, while the Institute for Fiscal Studies said it would cost taxpayers £3.2bn a month, or £38bn for a year.

Rishi Sunak's team criticised the plan as expensive and "incredibly regressive".

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How will energy prices hit households?

A source close to Ms Truss's discussions told The Sunday Telegraph: "They [the Treasury] have talked about the Gordon Brown approach that he took at the time (of the financial crisis), when it looked as though consumer confidence was falling.

"They are talking about the last big economic shock that hit the whole economy and consumers in 2008, and the Treasury's response to that."

And another claimed she "doesn't have time" to offer targeted support, warning: "People are going to start going out of business from the minute she takes office."

More from UK

Mr Brown announced a year-long cut in VAT from 17.5% to 15% in December 2008 in response to the financial crisis.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak have been under growing pressure to say how they will help the millions of Britons struggling with record energy prices and inflation.

Conservative MP Simon Hart, who is backing the former chancellor in the leadership race, told Sky News any plan to tackle the cost of living crisis needed to be "serious, affordable, and targeted".

He defended Mr Sunak for not declaring "precisely" how much he would invest, arguing it would be "irresponsible".

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'My spending approach is the right one'

Read more:
Explainer: Everything you need to know about higher bills
Analysis: Even those who've done the right thing won't escape impact of energy bills rise

Other possibilities being considered by Ms Truss include extending the 5p cut in fuel duty beyond March, and resuming help for businesses that was seen during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as a larger reduction in VAT for hospitality, tourism and agriculture.

Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester's night-time economy adviser, said on Saturday: "There is no energy price cap for hospitality. An untenable situation.

"Without intervention, we will sadly see closures like never before in our lifetime. It's criminal."

He retweeted a post from the owners of the Rose and Crown pub in Merseyside, which said it had received a quote of £61,000 for its electricity bill.

The Sunday Times said Ms Truss's team is also considering lifting the personal tax-free allowance, raising the point at which people pay the 40% rate of tax, and cutting the basic tax rate below 20%.

An insider told the newspaper that if Ms Truss decided against immediate tax cuts, they could be incorporated into a longer-term review of the tax system, which she is expected to announce alongside a fiscal package.

Mr Sunak wrote in The Times on Saturday that help with energy bills should be directed at low-income households and pensioners, delivered through the welfare system, winter fuel and cold weather payments.

He also acknowledged that providing "meaningful support" would be a multibillion-pound undertaking".

A Treasury spokesperson said the department is making the "necessary preparations" to ensure the next government has options to deliver extra help "as quickly as possible".

Meanwhile, in his final days as PM, Boris Johnson said that the UK's future "will be golden", despite some "very tough" months ahead.

Writing in The Mail On Sunday, he blamed Vladimir Putin for the worsening crisis, saying: "It was Putin's invasion of Ukraine that spooked the energy markets. It is Putin's war that is costing British consumers.

"That is why your energy bill is doubling. I am afraid Putin knows it. He likes it. And he wants us to buckle."

Last week, energy regulator Ofgem announced that the price cap would rise by 80% from October, meaning a typical default tariff customer will pay £3,549 a year.

The latest predictions from energy consultancy Cornwall Insight are that the price cap will breach £6,600 in April.

It prompted calls for more government help directed at the most vulnerable, but Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said that even those on higher salaries could struggle in the months ahead.

He says Britons on £45,000 may also need support to pay their energy bills.

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2022-08-28 04:52:30Z
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Sabtu, 27 Agustus 2022

Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Two men held over fatal shooting in Liverpool released on bail - Sky News

Two men held over the fatal shooting of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool have been released on bail.

Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Huyton and a 33-year-old man from Dovecot on suspicion of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Both have been released on bail and the 36-year-old has been recalled to prison after breaching the terms of his licence.

Police carry a door away from the murder scene
Image: Police carried a door away from the scene of the shooting on Saturday

In an update on Saturday afternoon, officers said they "still need people to come forward".

Detectives are trying to "build up a strong evidential picture and bring those responsible to justice".

Officers were seen carrying a door away from the scene of the attack on Saturday, while Merseyside Police is continuing to seek information about a car.

"We are still appealing to anyone who saw a black Audi Q3 in the days leading up to the shooting, or has any information about its movements after leaving Kingsheath Avenue on the night of the shooting," the force said.

It is also looking for CCTV, dashcam, and smart doorbell footage, which can be submitted online via mipp.police.uk.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wore a shirt at Anfield on Saturday with the message: "RIP Olivia, YNWA" (you'll never walk alone).

Earlier, detectives warned that "silence is not an option" and they "need names".

They also want to ensure there is "no hiding place for anyone involved" in the killing of Olivia.

The schoolgirl was shot after a gunman chased his intended target, who has been named as 35-year-old convicted burglar Joseph Nee, into her family home in Dovecot.

Her mother Cheryl, 46, was injured in the shooting.

The Audi Q3 which has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police
Image: Detectives are looking for information on an Audi Q3

A local councillor told Sky News that grief in the community has turned to "anger" over the shooting on Monday night.

Harry Doyle, assistant mayor of Liverpool, said: "The community are clearly going through the stages of grief. We feel it.

"Initially it was shock, now it's very much anger, and you feel that.

"(There is) anger about lots of things but ultimately we want to find the right people (responsible)."

Joseph Nee
Image: Joseph Nee is believed to have been the intended target of the shooting

Councillor Doyle said he had not seen reluctance from the community in coming forward with information.

He added: "People have come forward with information since day one - and they've come forward in their droves.

"I know the police have been really impressed with the amount of people who have come forward with information."

Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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2022-08-27 16:11:56Z
1542167477

Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Two men held over fatal shooting in Liverpool released on bail - Sky News

Two men held over the fatal shooting of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool have been released on bail.

Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Huyton and a 33-year-old man from Dovecot on suspicion of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Both have been released on bail and the 36-year-old has been recalled to prison after breaching the terms of his licence.

Police carry a door away from the murder scene
Image: Police carried a door away from the murder scene on Saturday

In an update on Saturday afternoon, officers said they "still need people to come forward".

Detectives are trying to "build up a strong evidential picture and bring those responsible to justice".

Officers were seen carrying a door away from the murder scene on Saturday, while Merseyside Police is continuing to seek information about a car.

"We are still appealing to anyone who saw a black Audi Q3 in the days leading up to the shooting, or has any information about its movements after leaving Kingsheath Avenue on the night of the shooting," the force said.

It is also looking for CCTV, dashcam, and smart doorbell footage, which can be submitted online via mipp.police.uk.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wore a shirt at Anfield on Saturday with the message: "RIP Olivia, YNWA" (you'll never walk alone).

Earlier, detectives warned that "silence is not an option" and they "need names".

They also want to ensure there is "no hiding place for anyone involved" in the killing of Olivia.

The schoolgirl was shot after a gunman chased his intended target, who has been named as 35-year-old convicted burglar Joseph Nee, into her family home in Dovecot. Her mother Cheryl, 46, was injured in the shooting.

The Audi Q3 which has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police
Image: Detectives are looking for information on an Audi Q3

A local councillor told Sky News that grief in the community has turned to "anger" over the shooting on Monday night.

Harry Doyle, assistant mayor of Liverpool, said: "The community are clearly going through the stages of grief. We feel it.

"Initially it was shock, now it's very much anger, and you feel that.

"(There is) anger about lots of things but ultimately we want to find the right people (responsible)."

Joseph Nee
Image: Joseph Nee is believed to have been the intended target of the shooting

Councillor Doyle said he had not seen reluctance from the community in coming forward with information.

He added: "People have come forward with information since day one - and they've come forward in their droves.

"I know the police have been really impressed with the amount of people who have come forward with information."

Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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2022-08-27 16:10:46Z
1542167477

Energy bills: Middle-earners will need help with rising prices too, says chancellor - BBC

Woman checking bills at homeGetty Images

Middle-earners, as well as low earners, are likely to need government help to pay their energy bills this winter, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has warned.

The energy regulator hiked the price cap on household bills by 80% on Friday, meaning the average bill will rise to £3,549 a year from October.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Zahawi said even those earning £45,000 a year may need support.

He said the Treasury was exploring "all the options" to help households.

He added that the country was in a "national economic emergency [that] could go on for 18 months, two years".

Both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, one of whom will be announced as the next prime minister on 5 September, have pledged further support, though neither has given details.

Environment Secretary George Eustice defended the wait for policy announcements from either candidate, saying it was right that whoever got the top job would "want to look at all of the options, properly costed" when they take office.

"Both candidates have said they will do more - you don't have long to wait," Mr Eustice told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

"They've both made clear that this will be absolutely at the top of their in tray," he added.

The government has already said that all households will get a £400 rebate on energy bills, with low income and vulnerable households receiving an additional £650.

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Francisco's story: Money worries with baby on the way

Photo of Francisco Salvatierra
Francisco Salvatierra

Francisco Salvatierra, 37, in Cardiff has been a teacher for the last seven years and earns £38,000 teaching Spanish in Caerphilly. He and his wife's joint household income is about £56,000.

Even with two incomes, we're facing financial difficulties. Our rent has increased by £200 in a month's notice, and our energy bills are likely to hit £350 a month. What does it say in a country where people are working but they can't afford to pay for their energy?

Forty years ago, the difference between poverty and financial struggle was a job. Now, it's not the case anymore. I have a decent job, but it doesn't stop me from experiencing financial struggles.

Getting a mortgage is science fiction for me. It's almost £1000 in rent for our flat alone, so how are we going to save for a 10% deposit for houses that are already so expensive? I have had to accept that I'll never be able to get onto the housing ladder.

I'd love to have a second baby, but it was hard enough to have a first one [which is due on Boxing Day]. We kept postponing the decision because of financial worries, but having a second one - I now don't think that's going to happen. We don't know if we're going to be able to afford childcare for our first child because it's outrageously expensive.

The idea of getting a £400 payment doesn't solve anything. We need more than charity, we need social and financial justice, like taxing energy companies who have billions in profits.

It feels like I haven't been given the chance that my preceding generations had. When is it our time for my generation to have a chance? It feels like Groundhog Day.

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The rise in the energy price cap - which is the maximum amount that suppliers can charge households per unit of energy - means millions of households will see their annual bills rise from about £1,971 currently.

Typical prepayment meter customers will also see their bills rise to £3,608.

Charities and experts have warned that the rise will have a devastating impact on households and that lives will be at risk without government intervention.

In his interview with the Telegraph, Mr Zahawi said he was also concerned about those who were not on benefits.

"If you are a senior nurse or a senior teacher on £45,000 a year, you're having your energy bills go up by 80% and will probably rise even higher in the new year - it's really hard.

"If you're a pensioner, it's really hard. So Universal Credit is a really effective way of targeting, but I'm looking at what else we can do to make sure we help those who really need the help."

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How much are energy prices rising by?

  • The price cap, set by the regulator, Ofgem, is rising by 80% in October
  • The price of electricity will rise on average from 28p per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 52p and gas will go up from 7p to 15p per kWh
  • A typical annual energy bill paid by direct debit is currently £1,971. In October, that will rise to £3,549
  • Prepayment meter customers will pay an extra £59 a year from October, taking the new typical bill on a prepayment meter to £3,608
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Mr Zahawi said the options being drawn up for the next prime minister to consider included an increase in benefits and a loan scheme for energy suppliers to stop them having to pass costs on to consumers.

He said a price cap freeze had not been ruled out, though he expressed concern that the measure would also benefit households that could afford to pay higher energy costs.

Mr Zahawi added that a number of measures to help small businesses, including temporary reductions to VAT, business rates, or green levies, were being considered, saying a failure to help business would leave a "longer-term scarring effect on the economy".

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have criticised the government for failing to respond to the growing crisis.

Labour says its own plan to freeze energy prices this winter - paid for in part by a windfall tax on energy companies - would save someone on the minimum wage more than £40 a week.

Asked whether it was right that even the richest would benefit, Labour's Darren Jones - chair of the department for business, energy and industrial strategy committee of MPs - said "the vast majority of people" would be affected by the rises.

He added that the government was not set up well enough to get money to people in a targeted way.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said the energy price cap rise was "nothing short of a catastrophe for millions of families and pensioners".

Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, said people were already saying they would be unable to heat their homes or put food on their tables.

"These are costs people simply can't afford," he told BBC Breakfast. "The government has a responsibility to step in."

Mr Blackford warned businesses could "go to the wall" over winter, and added: "This is an emergency as big as the Covid crisis. In such a scenario, the government has a responsibility to act."

Bar chart showing how the price cap has risen, with the price cap forecast for January standing at £4,600
AFP

Speaking to broadcasters on Friday, Mr Zahawi also split with cabinet colleagues who have so far resisted suggestions that households should be encouraged to reduce their energy usage.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week that choices about energy consumption remained "decisions for individuals".

Asked about the issue, Mr Zahawi said: "The reality is that we should all look at our energy consumption."

He told the Telegraph the country would have to be resilient as it continued to help Ukraine resist the Russian invasion.

"Putin has worked out that he can use energy as a tool to hit back at us," he said.

"And we're going to need to send a message back to Putin that this is not going to soften our resolve."

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2022-08-27 13:49:41Z
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'Silence is not an option': Police make another appeal over Liverpool shooting - after two men arrested over Olivia Pratt-Korbel death - Sky News

Police say they 'need names' in their investigation into the fatal shooting of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool, and are urging people to share their appeal.

Merseyside Police says it wants to ensure "there's no hiding place for anyone involved".

Two men have been arrested in connection with Olivia's death.

A 33-year-old from the Dovecot area of the city was arrested on suspicion of murder and two counts of attempted murder on Friday afternoon.

On Thursday, a 36-year-old was arrested on the same charges.

Detectives have released CCTV footage of that arrest, as well as an image of an Audi Q3 that was believed to have been used to take Joseph Nee, a 35-year-old man who was injured in the shooting and is believed to be the intended target, to hospital.

The Audi Q3 which has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police
Image: An Audi Q3 has been seized by police. Pic: Merseyside Police

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CCTV captures gunshots in Liverpool

That vehicle has been seized and is being examined by forensic experts.

On Saturday morning, Merseyside Police tweeted: "A simple request - share this far and wide, to everyone you know, and ask them to share if further still, so that there's no hiding place for anyone involved in the murder of little Olivia. We need names. Silence is not an option."

Olivia's family has paid tribute to her, describing her as a "unique, chatty, nosey little girl who broke the mould when she was born".

Ambassador of Liverpool FC, Ian Rush (right), and Ambassador of Everton FC, Ian Snodin, visits the scene in Kingsheath Avenue, Knotty Ash, Liverpool, where nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was fatally shot on Monday night. Picture date: Friday August 26, 2022.
Image: Ian Snodin, ambassador of Everton FC, and Ian Rush, ambassador of Liverpool FC, visit the scene
Floral tributes are left near to the scene of an incident in Kingsheath Avenue, Knotty Ash, Liverpool, where nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was fatally shot on Monday night. Picture date: Friday August 26, 2022.
Image: Flowers left near the Olivia's home

They added: "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."

The family has urged people to "do the right thing", and said: "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."

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2022-08-27 10:56:11Z
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