Liverpool remembers schoolgirl stabbed to death in Christmas lights tragedy: Hundreds of brightly-dressed mourners attend funeral of Ava White, 12, after horse-drawn carriage carried coffin decorated with family photos
The coffin carrying the body of Ava White was decorated with touching family photographs and mourners were dressed in bright clothing today as the funeral was held for the 12-year-old schoolgirl stabbed to death following a Christmas lights switch-on in Liverpool.
Mourners gathered at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to remember Ava, who was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the city centre attack on November 25 at about 8.30pm and later died from 'catastrophic injuries'.
Some of those heading into the Catholic church were in tears as they arrived in the rain for the service at 10am, while others - including those carrying the coffin - wore bright clothing with pictures of Ava printed on.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon told the congregation that Ava was a 'daredevil who brightened up the day of those present'. He said: 'There is little sadder in life than the death of a child. Grief we are experiencing today is overwhelming so my deepest sympathy and that of Catholic community goes out to Ava's family and her friends.
'Those memories will continue to live in your hearts. I'm told she would try anything... didn't fear anything that's good she won't be afraid to step into the light of God. Some of you will remember her as a daredevil who always brightened up the day of those present. Ava was loved by so many people, undoubtedly heaven will be a happier place. No doubt she will be taken in by storm.'
Applause broke out from the congregation as the coffin was brought into the church, and again later when the short, emotional service ended. Her fellow pupils from Notre Dame Catholic College were in attendance, as were some from her former school, The Trinity Catholic Primary School.
Archbishop McMahon described the funeral as 'terribly moving and emotional' but as a 'fitting tribute' to Ava. He added: 'The tragic, heart-breaking loss of Ava White brought deep shock and sadness to everyone in the city. The turnout today at the cathedral shows the unity and love that we have in Liverpool for Ava and her family. It was an incredibly moving and emotional funeral which was a fitting tribute to Ava. We continue to pray for Ava, her family, her friends, her teachers and her community.'
Following her death, Ava's father Robert Martin said the family were 'completely devastated and heartbroken'. He added: 'We would like to say thank you to everybody for their ongoing support during this devastating time.'
Mr Martin also thanked people for their 'kind messages and donations'. Hundreds of people paid tribute to her at a vigil earlier this month, and flowers and balloons were left in the city centre in her memory.
At the opening of an inquest into her death last week, senior coroner for Liverpool Andre Rebello said she was stabbed in the neck. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder. 
The coffin of schoolgirl Ava White arrives at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for funeral this morning
The coffin of Ava White, covered in family photographs, is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning
Mourners walk into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of schoolgirl Ava White this morning
Flowers within the funeral cortege for schoolgirl Ava White as a service is held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today
The Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon spoke outside Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral following the funeral today
Mourners are in tears as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White this morning
Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of 12-year-old schoolgirl Ava White
The coffin of Ava White is carried out of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral following her funeral
Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of 12-year-old Ava White this morning
Mourners appear emotional as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of Ava White
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today after she was fatally stabbed in Liverpool
Opening the inquest on December 15, the coroner said: 'This is an investigation into the death of a young lady, Ava Martin White, who was certified as having died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital on November 25 this year.'He said the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck. Mr Rebello told the hearing, at the Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool, that Ava had been identified by her mother Leanne White.
Ava White died after being stabbed following a Christmas lights switch-on in Liverpool city centre on November 25
He said: 'Ava had attended the switching on of the lights in Liverpool town centre on November 25. At 8.33pm she was in Williamson Square.
'She then walks to Church Street, along to Church Alley, and there an incident takes place where Ava was stabbed in the neck. North West Ambulance Service paramedics attended and Ava was taken to Alder Hey.'
Mr Rebello said a youth had been charged with her murder and appeared in court. He said: 'In light of that appearance on the charge of murder I suspend this investigation.'
He asked the coroner's officer to pass his condolences to Ava's family, who were not in court for the brief hearing.
At the vigil on December 4, hundreds of people have turned out to pay their respects to Ava. Family, friends and others gathered in 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.
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.
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.
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning
Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month
The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning
The coffin of Ava White is carried towards Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral in the city this morning
A member of the clergy holds the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning
Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month
A person displays the front page of the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning
Organiser of the event Anthony Goudie said: 'The whole city now has come together to support this vigil, it's absolutely outstanding.'
Ava White was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the attack and later died from 'catastrophic injuries'
He read a message on behalf of Ava's cousin, which said: 'I do wish that we could make more memories as we grow together but it is my time to make you as proud as we all are of you.
'I want to make you the proudest person ever. I love and I miss you so much, baby girl. It was too early for you but everything happens for a reason.'
Cllr Anna Rothery addressed the vigil and said: 'No family should ever have to go through this, but we have to take something from this.
'All these children here tonight who have turned out, you are our future, you deserve to go about your daily life knowing that you are going to be safe in this city.'
She called for the Government, council, police and other agencies to work together to eradicate knife crime. She said: 'Our children deserve better.'
On December 1, trial date was set for a 14-year-old boy charged with her murder. The defendant appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes.
Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary QC said a plea and trial preparation hearing would be held on February 18 next year.
He listed the case for trial on May 16 and said the case was likely to last two to three weeks. Michael O'Brien, defending, made no application for bail and the teenager was remanded in secure accommodation.
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