Gangland murder attempt blamed for shooting of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine

Liverpool's chief constable says death of girl at home crosses every boundary' and pledges major response to catch anyone involved

An attempted public murder of a senior gang member caused a nine-year-old girl to be mistakenly shot dead while being shielded by her mother inside her Liverpool home, the Guardian has learned.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was standing directly behind her mother, Cheryl, who was trying to keep the gunman out. Police said they believe the fleeing criminal saw a chink of light" as Olivia's mother opened the door to see what the noise was - before rushing in to escape his assailant.