The grieving family of Liverpool schoolgirl Ava White have released new pictures of the 12-year-old as the murder probe into her death continues.
The photographs show Ava in her uniform and smiling while seemingly out at a restaurant, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Police have also issued an image of a van. They want to speak to the occupants as they may have witnessed the assault on Ava.
READ MORE:Shocking Storm Arwen video shows moment pals cheat death as tree smashes onto car while they unload shopping in Stockport
Police were called to reports of an assault in the area of Church Alley at around 8.40pm on Thursday, November 25.
When officers arrived they discovered Ava, who was out with friends following the Christmas switch-on, collapsed on the ground while a member of the public who witnessed the attack was giving first aid.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she died a short time later.
Four teenage boys – one aged 13, two aged 14 and one 15 – all from the Dingle area of the city remain in custody for questioning.
Road closures remain in place on School Lane, Church Alley and Fleet Street as the police investigation continues.
Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said today: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ava’s family, friends and the wider community.
“Ava’s family are being supported by specialist officers and they have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.
Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter
You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
“Merseyside Police is absolutely determined to bring those responsible to justice. Today we are also issuing new images of Ava on behalf of her family.
“We are also sharing a still image of a van which was in the vicinity of the incident and may have witnessed something vital.
“To be clear, we think that vehicle’s occupants are witnesses and in no way suspected of being involved. However, we still need to speak to those people as soon as possible to confirm what information they might hold.
“We’d also urge anyone else who has captured the incident or aftermath to send any images/footage directly via the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP21M43-PO1
“Four males remain in custody for questioning and a part of the city centre remains cordoned off while we continue our work.
“I’d like to thank the businesses and residents in the area for their patience and understanding while we make these vital enquiries.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind people not to make any comments on social media which might potentially jeopardise our investigation, including of course names of any people potentially involved.
“We welcome any such information, but please only pass it on in the following ways so we can continue to make progress in our investigation.”
Information can be passed on with reference 21000820789 via ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
For all the latest World News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
