CLOSING THE NET
Liverpool shooting: Convict who burst into Olivia’s home in botched ‘gangster hit’ arrested – as cops ‘close’ on killer
THE intended victim of a shooting that left a nine-year-old girl dead has today been revealed as a "trusted foot soldier" in a criminal gang.
Joseph Nee, 35, burst into Olivia Pratt-Korbel's family home in Liverpool after a gunman opened fire in the street.
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Police today confirmed he has been detained in hospital for breaching his licence conditions and will be recalled to prison.
It can now be revealed Nee had recently been released from jail after being handed a 45-month sentence for burglary in 2018.
The 35-year-old, who lives close to Olivia's home, was part of a gang who led cops on a 125mph chase through Cheshire and Merseyside.
He admitted two counts of burglary, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.
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Nee was also previously caged for six-and-a-half years in 2009 for his part in a gang that flooded Liverpool with heroin and crack cocaine.
Jailing him, the judge branded Nee a “trusted foot soldier” of a serious organised crime gang.
A manhunt is still ongoing for the "cowardly" killer, who fled the scene after the horror unfolded.
It emerged today the net was closing in after two sources came forward with a potential name of the suspect.
Raids have been carried out across Liverpool today linked to gun crime in the city following a spate of shootings that left three people dead including little Olivia.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said: “I can tell you the male I discussed at the press conference yesterday, who had been shot at and chased into the home address of Cheryl and Olivia, has now been arrested.
“That’s not in relation to the murder of Olivia per say. The reason for that arrest is for breach of his existing licence conditions. The nature of that breach is for poor behaviour.
"He remains in hospital, and last update he was in a stable condition”
Officers told yesterday how the bloodbath unfolded when Nee rushed into Olivia's home to escape a gunman who shot at him and a second male on the street.
Mum Cheryl appeared to have opened the front door to see what the commotion was when he forced his way inside.
The shooter then followed and began peppering the home with bullets - hitting Cheryl first then Olivia, who was standing behind her mum.
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Tragically, Olivia was declared dead shortly after, while her mum was treated for a gunshot wound to the wrist.
Intended target Nee was treated for multiple wounds to his upper body.
As Olivia lay dying, his friends picked him up in a black Audi and took him to hospital.
Now neighbours have told how they believe the youngster died in a "tit for tat" gang attack.
Speaking to , one claimed: "They were just innocent people - that's what makes it 10 times worse.
"They were quiet, respectable people. Knowing someone has been shot just because she opened the door. It's not right.
"It was the same people involved in the shooting a few weeks ago in Akers Hall park.
"We know it was. It is two rival gangs chasing after each other."
Hours after Olivia had been named as the victim, Luke Korbel, who is believed to be her cousin, wrote on Facebook: “What the f***s the world come to ay?
“Would never even think of wishing any of this on me worst enemy.
“The most cleverest 9 year old your going to get, had the brain like an 18 year old she did, most funniest and politest always had a smile on her face we all know you will keep smiling up there, your going to be missed be each and every single one of us you really are, Liv.”
Merseyside Police yesterday issued a passionate plea for information as they vowed to "not rest until those who are responsible are put behind bars".
'ABHORRENT'
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the "shocking" killing "crosses every single boundary" as she appealed to the "criminal fraternity" in Liverpool for information.
The officer added: "I know that the murder of Olivia has rocked our communities, who are quite rightly upset and outraged that such an abhorrent crime has occurred here on the streets of Merseyside.
"The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are known for their compassion and pulling together in times of crisis, and I know that our communities, people are wanting to help the family in any way possible.
"This is not the time for anyone who knows who's responsible for this shooting to remain tight-lipped.
"It is time for our communities to come together with us and make Merseyside a place where the use of guns on our streets is totally unacceptable, and those who use them are held to account."
Tributes have now flooded in for little Olivia, who attended St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School.
Her headteacher Rebecca Wilkinson said: "Our school community is devastated at the sad loss of Olivia. We are in shock and disbelief at such tragic news.
“Olivia was a much loved member of our school. She had a beautiful smile, a lovely sense of humour, and a bubbly personality. She was kind hearted and would go out of her way to help others. She loved to perform and recently participated in the school production of The Wizard of Oz.
"Olivia will be missed greatly by staff and children at our school. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
The tragedy is the third fatal shooting in Liverpool in less than a week after a council worker was killed 48 hours ago.
Ashley Dale, 28, was shot dead just two miles away in her back garden in Old Swan in a case of mistaken identity.
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In a separate bloodbath, Sam Rimmer, 22, was shot dead on Wednesday in Toxteth, while a woman in her 50s was stabbed to death outside a pub in Kirkby last night.
Olivia's death also came 15 years to the day that 11-year-old Rhys Jones was brutally murdered.
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