Ava White: 12-year-old dies of ‘catastrophic injuries’ as four teenagers arrested in Liverpool

[ad_1]

Play Video

Rob Smith reports from the site of the fatal stabbing of 12-year-old Ava White in Liverpool.

A 12-year-old girl has died following an assault in Liverpool city centre.

Ava White is believed to have been with friends in Church Alley when Merseyside police said a “verbal argument” broke out with a group of boys.

An attack is believed to have taken place, with Ava “falling to the ground”, and officers say “a member of the public who witnessed the accident was providing first aid”.

It is understood that the perpetrators were seen “running Scholl Lane across Hanover Street and into Fleet Street”.

We believe that Ava and her friends got involved in a verbal argument culminating in the assault of Ava causing catastrophic injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable John Roy, Merseyside Police, Ava White is stabbed in Liverpool after lighting Christmas. Credit: Merseyside Police

Police and paramedics attended the scene, shortly after 8.39pm, and Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she died shortly thereafter.

Four teenage boys – one aged 13, two aged 14 and one aged 15, all from Toxteth – were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Staff at Ava’s School, Notre Dame Catholic College in Everton, are working to support students.

Flowers were laid at the site of Ava White’s death in Liverpool city centre.

The reaction of members of the public after the death of Ava White who was killed in Liverpool.

The headteacher described her as “a very lovable, valuable and unique member of the Notre Dame family” and offered his prayers to her family and friends.

Police cordoned off much of Church Street near Primark and the surrounding area after the incident on Thursday, November 26.

Officers also conduct fingertip searches in and around Williamson Square.

The street was cordoned off after the accident. Credit: Liverpool Echo

Assistant Chief Constable John Roy said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the Ava family, who are supported by our dedicated Family Liaison Officers.

“Their world has been torn apart and no parent should have to face a knock on the door from police officers to say their child is dead.”

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The accident happened a few hours after the Christmas tree lights went out in the city center.

Merseyside police were called in an alley off Church Street downtown at about 8.40pm. Credit: Liverpool Echo

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could assist the police with their inquiries, are asked to write to DMMerPolCC or CrimestoppersUK at 0800555111 with reference 0899 dated 25 November.

An extensive collar remains in place at the scene – which includes Williamson Square, Tarlton Street, Church Street, Church Alley and School Lane, which crosses Hanover Street into Fleet Street.

Stores including Marks & Spencer, Primark and Lush on Church Street, one of the city’s main shopping streets, were closed on Black Friday due to police cordons.

Councilor Sarah Doyle, Assistant Mayor, Violence Against Women and Girls said: “I am deeply saddened to hear that Ava White has passed away.

“I know the news of this tragedy will shake communities across our city. My thoughts are with Ava’s family, friends and school.

And we will do everything we can to support the city and those affected over the coming weeks.”

Ava died on White Ribbon Day, a global campaign to end violence against women.

Assistant Police Chief John Roy added: “Ava’s death should be a reminder to all of us of the role we each have to play in ending violence against women and girls.

“Ava died on White Ribbon Day a global campaign to end violence against women, and yesterday partners from across the city joined together to celebrate this day, which is also the start of 16 days of activism designed to raise awareness of violence against women and girls How we work together to make sure that violence against women and girls is Women and girls are something that should not be tolerated in any society.”

[ad_2]