Children hold hands as heartbroken community comes together to pay tribute to Olivia Pratt-Korbel

Children held hands as they placed flowers at the scene where a nine-year-old girl was fatally shot.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was killed on Monday night when a 35-year-old man, unknown to the family, ran into her terraced house in Kingsheath Avenue, in the Dovecot area of Liverpool, in an attempt to get away from a shooter, police said. Her mum Cheryl Korbel, 46, was shot in the wrist as she tried to close the door on the gunman while Olivia stood behind her.

Police remain on the hunt for the 'evil' gunman, while the local community and city has been rocked by the 'shocking and appalling' attack'. Floral tributes were left next to the cordon yesterday, many of which contained condolences to Olivia's family.

READ MORE: Appeal to turn in gunman after fatal shooting of girl, 9, in own home

The first tributes were placed just after 3pm and by the evening, the corner of the street had become the focus for people leaving flowers and messages. Many of the flowers were placed by children Olivia's age or younger, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Two children held hands as they added a bouquet to the growing number of tributes. People cried and many children consoled each other as they stood and looked at the messages.

One tribute read: "Words cannot describe how this tragedy has turned this city upside down. Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia's family at this sad time. Rest in Peace little one."

Another said: "A precious little angel taken too soon. God bless. Sleep tight Olivia." Another tribute said: "R.I.P Olivia feels like only yesterday you were in my garden laughing".

One, signed from Aunty Kim and Uncle Tony, read: "Olivia, R.I.P baby girl, can't believe what has happened. It is like a nightmare, we shall miss you so much