Hundreds gather in Liverpool for vigil in memory of 12-year-old Ava White

Hundreds of people gathered in Liverpool this evening to "stand together" in memory of 12-year-old Ava White at a vigil.

Ava was fatally stabbed in the city centre last month after a Christmas lights switch-on.

Her family, friends and members of the public took to Church Street, close to where the incident happened, to pay tribute to her.

Hundreds of balloons, some in the shape of the letter A, were released at the start of the vigil. Many people wore hoodies with Ava's face on and others had her name written on their faces.

Credit: PA Images

The Radio City tower was lit up blue in memory of the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil. Imagine by John Lennon was performed by Astrid Smith as hundreds held up glowsticks and phones to light up the city centre in Ava's memory.

You'll Never Walk Alone was played as was music including Hero by Mariah Carey and Where Is The Love by the Black Eyed Peas.A number of the crowd were in tears during the vigil.

On Friday, Ava's father, Robert Martin, paid tribute, saying her family has been left "completely devastated and heartbroken".

Credit: PA Images

Tributes were also paid to Ava at the Merseyside derby match, between Liverpool FC and Everton, on Wednesday.

Trent Alexander Arnold paid his own tribute to Ava, who was remembered by both sets of fans in the 12th minute Credit: PA

Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the attack at about 8.30pm but later died from "catastrophic injuries", police said.

A 14-year-old boy appeared in court earlier this week charged with her murder.