FAMILY'S PAIN
Ava White murder: Devastated family of girl, 12, ‘stabbed to death’ share their heartbreak – as four teen boys arrested
THE DEVASTATED family of a girl who was stabbed to death in front of horrified kids has told of their heartbreak.
Ava White, 12, suffered "catastrophic injuries" after being assaulted in Liverpool as the city's Christmas lights were switched on - and four teenage boys have now been arrested.
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The schoolgirl was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn't be saved and passed away shortly after.
Four teen boys aged 13, 14 and 15 have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.
On Friday, flowers were being laid on Church Street in tribute to the Notre Dame Catholic College pupil, as forensics officers and police searched the scene.
According to reports, Ava’s mother works at the Primark store - just over 100 yards away.
A balloon was left by 17-year-old Lacey, who did not want to give her surname, who said her younger sister had been close friends with Ava.
She said: "She was just a bubbly character, so loving and caring.
"She came out with her friends to enjoy herself and I think it's just wrong that this has happened."
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Meanwhile Ava's Aunt Erica today said: “My mum is seriously ill. It has a really bad effect on everyone in Ava’s family.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ngaire Waine said the incident was "sad for the city" but "even sadder" for Ava's family.
She said: "We will put everything we can to ensure we get justice for her but then I'm sure we will be looking at whether there were things we could have done, or our partners could have done, that might have made a difference, because we never want another 12-year-old, here or anywhere else, to be murdered when they are out and about having fun with their friends."
Merseyside Police confirmed a post mortem will be carried out to establish a cause of death.
'VERBAL ARGUMENT'
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs, who is leading the investigation, said Ava had been involved in a "verbal argument" which escalated into an "assault on her with a knife", but a weapon had not yet been recovered.
She said: "We are able to say there has been a verbal argument and there has been an assault, and the offenders ran off up School Lane, across Hanover Street and into Fleet Street."
Witnesses reported hearing screaming as she collapsed to the ground in front of Christmas shoppers.
Alan Walsh, a prominent knife crime campaigner, said he received calls from children who had seen the horror unfold.
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."
'MUCH LOVED' STUDENT
Peter Duffy, headteacher of Notre Dame Catholic College, where Ava was a pupil, has now paid tribute to the schoolgirl.
He said: "Ava was a much loved, valued and unique member of the Notre Dame family.
"She was an incredibly popular girl with a fantastic group of friends.
"Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Ava's family and friends and all those affected by this utterly tragic event.
"My staff are working with students to provide all the support they need at this traumatic time."
Police are now ramping up patrols in the city centre while a cordon will remain in place.
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.
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"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."
Anyone with information or footage of the horror has been asked to message @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 0899 of 25 November.
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