Olivia's legacy

Blow to 'no grass' culture as tips up 300% since girl's gun murder

- HOLLIE BONE

DETECTIVES say they have seen a 300% increase in tip-offs from the community after a series of shocking murders.

The shooting of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in August 2022 was the third in a week in Liverpool, following the deaths of Ashley Dale, 28, and Sam Rimmer, 22.

Now, police hope Olivia's legacy will spell the end of the "no grass" culture, with the help of the Evolve initiative.

Olivia's mum, Cheryl Korbel, said: "Evolve was created to help prevent further tragedies and other families from having to endure the pain we feel every single day.

"While it's making a difference, we need your help.

"To keep our communities safest, if you know anything about criminality, please speak out."

In the wake of the three murders, and the fatal shooting of Elle Edwards, 26, outside a Wirral pub on Christmas Eve that year, Merseyside Police received special funding from the Home Office.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "I think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities.