The father of Olivia Pratt-Korbel has said her death “cannot be in vain” as he paid tribute to the nine-year-old and appealed for anyone with information on her shooting to come forward.

Olivia died after she was shot in her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22.

In a statement released by Merseyside Police, her father John Francis Pratt and his wider family said: “Olivia’s death cannot be in vain and we want people to feel safe and be safe, that can only happen if we all come together and make sure there is no place for guns, or those who use guns on our streets or in our communities.”

A 34-year-old man from Liverpool arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder remains in custody after police were granted an extension to continue questioning him.

Three other men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Her family said: “Olivia’s future has been cruelly snatched away from her and we have been deprived of a real light in our lives.

“We know that there has been an exceptional response to police appeals and we would like to thank those who have come forward.

“At the same time we want to urge others who may have evidence to keep coming forward with information which could help put those responsible for our Olivia’s murder behind bars.

“We have been really taken aback by the kindness and support we have received from family, friends and neighbours in the last two weeks, and we would like to thank them for being there for us.

“We know that most people on Merseyside are good-hearted and kind just like them, and we all need to stand together.

“We don’t want another child to lose their life in such horrendous circumstances and we don’t want to see another family suffer like we are suffering now.”

The family described Olivia as a “real bright spark” who loved to laugh and make people laugh.

They said: “Words can’t express the pain we are going through after Olivia was so cruelly snatched away from us. Those responsible need to know what they have done.”

A video of the schoolgirl enjoying a ride at a Christmas market with her father was released by the family.

Olivia was shot in her home when a gunman chased convicted burglar Joseph Nee into the property at about 10pm.

A post-mortem examination found the medical cause of her death was a gunshot wound to the chest.

Her mother Cheryl was also injured.