'Gut-wrenching' true crime documentary that follows high-profile murder case leaves viewers 'heartbroken'

Tonight will see the final instalment of a new true-crime documentary on Channel 4 which viewers have called 'harrowing'.

That's because the four-part series - which first aired on Monday (19 Aug) - follows the story of two Liverpool locals who were tragically murdered at their homes last year, just two days apart.

We are, of course, talking about the heartbreaking deaths of Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Corbel, who were shot in August 2023.

The two tragedies told the tale of promising young women, whose lives were cut short as a result of organised crime in Merseyside.

The new documentary saw a team of investigative journalists submerge themselves within the north-western city, where both murders took place.

A team of Channel 4 producers worked with officers, detectives, lawyers, police commissioners and those who knew Ashley and Olivia before their lives were stolen from them, as they attempt to bring their killers to justice.

Environmental health officer Ashley was the first victim, a 28-year-old who was gunned down by a man who'd broken into her home in Old Swan on 21 August with the intent of murdering new boyfriend Lee Harrison.

According to reports, Ashley's long-term partner had fallen into a feud with a local drug-dealer Niall Barry, who'd allegedly threatened to stab Lee when the duo butted-heads at Glastonbury Festival the summer prior.

28-year-old Ashley was murdered on 21 August. (Handout)

Ashley - who had recently been promoted in her job at Knowsley Council - was home alone when a man burst into her property with a sub-machine gun, spraying bullets across the room, several of which tragically hit the 'rising star'.

Police arrived upon the scene to find Ashley's phone at arm's length from her body, where it became apparent that she'd tried to call her boyfriend for help before succumbing to her injuries.

Mastermind of the crime Niall Barry, 26, gunman James Witham, and two other men - Joseph Peers, 29, and Sean Zeisz, 28 - were subsequently found guilty of murder, conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon with intent to endanger life.

Less than 48 hours later, nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was caught in the crossfire of another gun attack on the other side of the city.

On 22 August, the child's mother Cheryl heard a disturbance outside their Dovecot home, opening the door with Olivia behind her.

It was then that Joseph Nee, a local crime group member and drug dealer, attempted to force his way into their home after fleeing an unknown gunman.

Olivia was just nine years old when she was murdered. (Handout)

The gunman then fired four bullets into the property, one of which travelled through Cheryl's wrist and into Olivia's chest.

A police officer on the scene attempted to save the youngster's life, but Olivia was pronounced dead upon arrival at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

It was over a month later that 34-year old Thomas Cashman was charged with the murder, two counts of attempted murder as well as two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The heart-shattering true crime programme has since left viewers in pieces, with many credited producers for crafting such an emotive series on an extremely sensitive subject.

"Absolutely gut wrenching seeing Olivia’s shadow being carried out the house by the police to be taken to hospital," one devastated viewer tweeted.

"An the paramedic in the back of the car talking to her. Unimaginable an absolutely heart breaking this. #MerseysideDetectives"

"Watching the Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt Korbel doc on channel 4. It's absolutely heartbreaking," another added.

Thomas Cashman was found guilty of Olivia's murder. (PA)

"Hearing the police officer telling Olivia to stay with her just broke me. RIP beautiful girls. #channel4 #merseysidedetectives".

A third continued: "This is a pretty harrowing watch. I wasn’t quite prepared for what I’ve just seen 😔 #merseysidedetectives"

Another noted: "The most affecting documentary series you will watch this year I think - a powerful testament to the horrors of gun crime #MerseysideDetectives #Channel4".