{"id":353764,"date":"2025-08-18T08:46:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T08:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/353764\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T08:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T08:46:12","slug":"three-years-on-from-shootings-that-rocked-liverpool-merseyside-police-say-they-are-working-closer-than-ever-with-local-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/353764\/","title":{"rendered":"Three years on from shootings that ‘rocked’ Liverpool Merseyside Police say they are working closer than ever with local communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Communities that were \u201crocked\u201d by three fatal shootings in the space of a week have more confidence in police three years on, a force has said.<\/p>\n

Merseyside Police was one of the first forces in the country to receive Home Office funding for a Clear, Hold, Build initiative \u2013 known locally as Evolve \u2013 following the deaths of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, 28-year-old environmental health worker Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer, 22, in August 2022.<\/p>\n

Three years on from its launch, the force says the scheme \u2013 now rolled out across four areas \u2013 has led to a 300% increase in community intelligence.<\/p>\n

It has also led to more than 5,300 arrests and the seizure of about 630kg of Class A and B drugs, more than 260 offensive weapons, 28 firearms and about \u00a32.5 million in cash and assets \u2013 which is being reinvested into communities.<\/p>\n

Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said the three murders \u201crocked\u201d the area, but police had seen a \u201cstrong and positive response\u201d.<\/p>\n

He said:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get a really good response from communities who want to work with us.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t want these kind of tragedies to occur in their communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the other things we\u2019ve seen as Evolve is our intelligence reporting from communities is far higher across our four Evolve areas than it was previously which I think is a sign that those communities have confidence in reporting information because they want us to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Olivia Pratt-Korbel\u2019s mother Cheryl Korbel (third right) and Tim Edwards, father of shooting victim Elle Edwards (second right) with representatives of Merseyside Police and other organisations involved in the Evolve scheme<\/p>\n

Merseyside police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI think one of the biggest successes of the Evolve project has been the 300% increase in intelligence from our communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is obviously really significant because it means the communities do have more confidence in the police now.\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of the scheme, community events have been held, including weekly sessions provided by Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation.<\/p>\n

Funding has been provided for a memorial for Olivia.<\/p>\n

The Evolve project was launched in Wirral following the death of Elle Edwards, 26, who was killed in a shooting outside a pub on Christmas Eve 2022.<\/p>\n

There are also projects running in Netherton and the Everton and Vauxhall area.<\/p>\n

\"\"Detective Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson at Olivia\u2019s Tree in memory of Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Merseyside Police\/PA)
\nChief Constable Serena Kennedy said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been three years since the launch of the first two Evolve projects in Liverpool and Knowsley, and Wirral following the tragic deaths of Sam, Ashley, Olivia and Elle that sent shockwaves of grief through our communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe heart of Evolve is partnership and its success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff, partners and residents who have come together and worked tirelessly to make Evolve areas safer and more resilient.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit are making a real difference \u2013 building trust, reducing harm and creating neighbourhoods where everyone can feel safe and supported.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvolve has made significant progress in disrupting and dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and restoring a sense of pride and security to neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank everyone involved for the achievements we have made together so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find out more information on the Merseyside Police website<\/a>.
\nFind all the latest Liverpool news here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n