Liverpool girl stabbed to death

A "popular" and "bright" 12-year-old girl died after she was stabbed following an argument in Liverpool city centre.

Ava White had been in the city with friends on Thursday following a Christmas lights switchon when she suffered "catastrophic injuries" in an assault at 8.39pm, Merseyside Police said.

Four boys, one aged 13, two aged 14 and one 15-year-old, remain in custody after they were 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.

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: "Shewasjustabubblycharacter, so loving and caring. "She came out with her friends to enjoy herself and I think it's just wrong that this has happened."