A 12-year-old girl has died following a stabbing in Liverpool city centre.
Ava White was with friends in Church Street when the fatal incident occurred on Thursday evening, shortly after the city’s official Christmas lights switch-on.
A verbal argument is believed to have taken place before she suffered what police have described as ‘catastrophic injuries’ in the incident before 8.39pm.
Officers arrived at the scene and discovered the Notre Dame Catholic student collapsed on the ground as a member of the public tried to give first aid.
She was taken by paramedics to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital but sadly died a short time later despite the best efforts of medical staff.
Detectives have confirmed that four boys, one aged 13, two aged 14 and one aged 15, all from Toxteth were later arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Assistant Chief Constable Jon Roy, said: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ava’s family, who are being supported specialist Family Liaison officers.
“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.
“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.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, or may even have filmed the incident, or who has information which could help us with our inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 0899 of 25 November.
“There will be additional officers in the city over the coming days and in the run up to Christmas who will be providing visible reassurance to those who live, work and visit the city.
“Ava’s death should be a reminder to us all about the part that we each have to play in eliminating violence against women and girls.”
Any images or mobile phone/CCTV footage can be sent directly to Merseyside Police’s investigation team via the following link: https://mipp.police.uk//operation/05MP19M36-PO1