Girl, 12, dies of ‘catastrophic injuries’ after being attacked following row in Liverpool
Horror at Liverpool Christmas lights switch-on: ‘Traumatised’ children witnessed girl, 12, being stabbed to death moments after festive event – as four school boys, 13 to 15, are quizzed over murder
Ava White suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ in an assault after lights switch-onMerseyside Police said there had been a verbal argument before the attackFour schoolboys aged 13 to 15 have been arrested on suspicion of murder Did you see what happened? E-mail: dan.sales@mailonline.co.uk
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A 12-year-old girl was stabbed to death in Liverpool city centre in front of other terrified children out to watch the Christmas lights switch on.
As four schoolboys as young as 13 were quizzed today on suspicion of Ava White’s murder, traumatised friends were still in deep shock at what had happened.
Merseyside Police said she suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ in the attack following an argument in the city at 8.39pm, shortly after the lights switch on took place.
Alan Walsh, a prominent knife crime campaigner, youth worker and boxing gym owner, said he began fielding calls shortly after midnight from young people who were at the scene.
He said: ‘They were just walking past, some of them were just 13, and they are just traumatised. I have taken about 12 calls since last night.
‘I am just numb. I feel terrible for her family, but also it’s the underlying trauma going on behind it as well. You just can’t comprehend it.
Ava White suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ in an assault last night in Liverpool city centre
Flowers near the scene in Liverpool city centre today where 12-year-old Ava White died
Police conduct a search near scene in Liverpool city centre after 12-year-old Ava White died
‘The ripple effect of this will be felt for a lifetime. I took my first text message at 12.09am this morning asking for help.
‘Please any young person who has witnessed this horrific incident and needs support please get in touch, we will get you councillors and psychologist help,’ he told the Liverpool Echo
Four boys – one aged 13, two aged 14 and one 15-year-old – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
When police arrived at the scene, they found Ava, who was with friends, collapsed on the ground and receiving first aid from a member of the public.
Paramedics attended and she was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she died a short time later.
Assistant Chief Constable Jon Roy said: ‘Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ava’s family, who are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Police have today appealed for witnesses to come forward to help them try and solve the case
Painstaking searches were being carried out this morning by officers collecting evidence
Four boys – one aged 13, two aged 14 and one 15-year-old – have been arrested over murder
‘Their world has been torn apart and no parent should ever have to face that knock on the door from police officers to say that their child has died.
‘We believe that Ava and her friends had been involved in a verbal argument which culminated in Ava being assaulted causing catastrophic injuries.
‘And we understand that the offenders were then seen to run up School Lane across Hanover Street and on to Fleet Street.
‘We have arrested four males aged, one aged 13 years, two aged 14 years and one aged 15 from Toxteth, on suspicion of murder and they are currently being interviewed at police stations on Merseyside.
‘Liverpool City Centre was very busy at the time of the incident as the lights on the Christmas tree on Church Street had been officially switched on a short while earlier and we would appeal to anyone who was on Church Street who saw the incident, or may even have captured it on their mobile phone, to come forward.’
A Home Office post-mortem is due to be carried out to establish the cause of death.
Mr Roy added: ‘An extensive cordon remains in place at the scene, which includes Williamson Square, Tarleton Street, Church Street, Church Alley, School Lane crossing over Hanover Street on to Fleet Street, whilst forensic experts continue their examinations.
‘We will endeavour to release the scene as soon as is practically possible, but we would ask members of the public for their understanding and patience whilst our investigations are being carried out so that we can bring justice for Ava and her family.’
Merseyside Police said there would be additional officers in the city over the coming days and in the run up to Christmas to provide reassurance.
Police appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have filmed it to contact them either on Twitter at @MerPolCC, via Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 0899 of November 25.
