Balloons for Alfie: Hundreds of devastated supporters turn out to pay their respects after brain-damaged toddler at heart of legal battle dies after five days without life support

The 23-month-old had suffered from a degenerative neurological condition and was in a coma for a year

His 'heartbroken' Mother Kate James announced his passing this morning saying he died at 2.30am last night

Hundreds of supporters sang 'You'll Never Walk Along' through tears as they release blue and purple balloons 

Tom Evans, his father, said his 'gladiator' son 'lay down his shield and gained his wings' at Alder Hey Hospital

Pope Francis today tweeted his sorrow saying he was 'praying' for Alfie's parents and had been 'deeply moved'

More than a thousand supporters gathered at park close to the hospital in Liverpool for the balloon release

Devastated supporters of Alfie Evans sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' through tears today as hundreds of blue and purple balloons were released into the sky.

More than a thousand people gathered outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool this afternoon for the emotional tribute to 23-month-old Alfie who died in the early hours of this morning. 

His 'heartbroken' parents, Thomas Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, said their 'gladiator' son 'grew his wings' at 2.30am.

The desperately ill youngster suffered from a ultra-rare brain condition and had been in a deep coma for more than a year.  

Families who gathered in Springfield Park - close to Alder Hey where Alfie was being cared for - sang through tears as a final tribute for the 'little soldier'. 

Close family friend Laura McKenzie thanked everyone for coming, adding: 'Tom and Kate really appreciate everyone coming and showing their love. 

Hundreds of supporters filled the park close to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where Alfie was being cared for', to make one last tribute to the youngster 

Supporters sobbed as they sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before releasing hundreds of blue and purple balloons outside the hospital 

The desperately ill youngster suffered from a ultra-rare brain condition and had been in a deep coma for more than a year

Thomas Evans' sister Sarah Evans (left) struggled to hold back tears as she addressed the crowd. A little girl sang A Thousand Years by Christina Perry (right) before the mourners counted down from 10 and released the balloons

Thomas Evans' sister Sarah Evans is hugged by a supporter before the balloon release this afternoon 

Supporters weep and comfort one another before thousands of people released blue and purple balloons into the sky above Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool 'So many people turned up today and it was absolutely amazing. The whole world showed how much Alfie was loved and we'll never ever ever forget him or his name. No one will.

'He fought right until the very end. There was no more fighting for him to do. He did everything he could. Tom and Kate did everything they could.

'Alfie's so much of a fighter. He proved so many people wrong. He fought for more than four days. He proved to the world he can fight and showed us all. Alfie is a fighter and you won't get anyone better than Alfie.'

The heartbreaking sight came after Pope Francis said he was 'deeply moved' by Alfie's death.

The leader of the Catholic Church - who had earlier met with parents Tom and Alfie - added: 'Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace.' 

A balloon release was also held in Dublin while thousands of Huddersfield Town and Everton fans held a minute-long clap for Alfie at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield 

Alfie's father earlier paid tribute to his 'gladiator' son who stunned doctors by going on to live a further five days after having his life-support switched off on Monday. 

He said: 'My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 2.30am.The children's hospital has asked people to leave tributes to Alfie in Springfield Park, next to the hospital as supporters grow in numbers. 

A statement this morning from Alder Hey said: 'We feel sure people will wish to place tributes to Alfie along with messages of support for Kate and Tom.

'To ensure there is sufficient space for these and to ensure the safety of all those who wish to visit, we have secured a suitable place in Springfield Park situated next to Alder Hey Hospital. This is on the advice of Merseyside Police.

'People will be available to direct you to that space throughout the weekend.'

One bunch of flowers came with a message saying: 'RIP little gorgeous Alfie, touched so many people's hearts all around the world. Never be forgotten. 

'Always a place in my heart for you. Christie, friends and family.'  

Italian and Polish flags have been seen outside Alder Hey this morning, with supporters laying the national symbols or waving them near the hospital. 

Supporters are gather outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool this morning following the announcement of Alfie's death. Well-wishers left floral tributes and a teddy bear outside the facility  

A woman is comforted outside the Liverpool children's hospital today as mourners leave floral tributes and toys 

Devastated supporters of Alfie began turning up at the hospital early this morning, leaving floral tributes and balloons after his parents announced his death  

The hospital has been a catalyst for high-running emotions in recent weeks as protesters and supporters gathered outside in support of Alfie and 

his parents 

A man lays a bouquet of flowers at the scene outside Alder Hey Children's hospital in Liverpool this morning 

A woman brings toys to leave at the scene outside Alder Hey Hospital this morning as tributes begin to pile up Earlier today, Alder Hey Hospital said: 'We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Alfie's family at this extremely distressing time.

'All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them. 

'This has been a devastating journey for them and we would ask that their privacy and the privacy of staff at Alder Hey is respected.'

Today, the mother of Bradley Lowery, who died last year following a long battle against neuroblastoma, also paid tribute to Alfie. 

Gemma Lowery wrote: 'So sad to hear about the beautiful Alfie Evens I'm sending all my love to Alfie's parents, they did everything they could for their little boy. 

'RIP sweetheart, fly high with them angels and go have some fun with my baby boy.'

Tributes from celebrities have poured in since this morning's announcement.

Piers Morgan wrote: 'My deepest condolences to his parents, who fought so hard for their brave little boy.'

Boxer Tony Bellew said: 'RIP Alfie Evans... A brave little soldier all the way to the end... Thoughts are with his mother & father today.. #RIPAlfieEvans.' 

Rebekah Vardy commented: 'This morning heaven gained an angel Alfie Evans you stole my heart and the hearts of so many! May you Rest in Peace little man.

'Thinking of you Tom & Kate! You did your little champ proud. Always @alfiesarmy.'

Lord Sugar paid tribute: 'RIP Alfie Evans. Sad day for his parents who fought so hard for him.' 

Everton FC tweeted: 'RIP Alfie Evans. Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave young Evertonian. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.' 

Merseyside Police also expressed their condolences.

A spokesman said: 'Merseyside Police would like to pass on our sincere thoughts and condolences to Tom, Kate and their families for their very sad loss following the death of their son

 Alfie Evans overnight.

Bradley Lowery's mother Gemma, pictured together, paid tribute to Alfie Evans today on Facebook

'We also pass on our thoughts to those at the hospital who have supported the family in caring for Alfie. May Alfie rest peacefully.'

And the Archbishop of Liverpool described Alfie's struggle as heroic.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool, made the following statement on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales:

He said: 'I would like to express my deepest sympathy at this moment of loss to Tom and Kate as we hold little Alfie in our prayers. 

'All who have been touched by the story of this little boy's heroic struggle for life will feel this loss deeply. 

'But as a Christian Alfie has the promises of God, who is love, to welcome him into his heavenly home.'

'Although the past few weeks have been difficult with much activity on social media, we must recognise that all who have played a part in Alfie's life have wanted to act for his good, as they see it. 

'Above all, we must thank Tom and Kate for their unstinting love of their son, and the staff at Alder Hey Hospital for their professional care of Alfie. 

'Now it is time for us to give Tom and Kate space to grieve their son's death and offer our prayers for him and consolation for all.'

Earlier rumours spread that Tom Evans had barricaded himself in Alfie's room at the hospital but the family released a statement saying that was untrue. 

The youngster was at the centre of a legal battle over his treatment that touched hearts around the world. 

Mr Evans, 21 and Ms James, 20, had fought to take their son to a foreign hospital for treatment for a degenerative medical condition, but lost a final court appeal on Wednesday. 

Alfie had been in a coma for over a year and needed a ventilator to keep him breathing but his parents have fought to stop his life support being switched off. 

Mr Evans had met the Pope last week to ask for asylum, kissing the pontiff's hand and begging him to 'save our son'. 

The head of the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, which is administered by the Vatican, also travelled to Liverpool in a bid to have the boy transferred, saying Pope Francis asked her to do everything 'possible and impossible' to save him.

A balloon release has been organised to take place at 2.30am, exactly 12 hours after Alfie 'gained his wings'

Their case went before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after it was rejected by the UK's Supreme Court, but judges in Strasbourg also refused to intervene, saying the application was 'inadmissible'. 

Following the decision, around 200 people gathered outside Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital, as supporters blocked the road outside the hospital, linking arms and chanting, 'Save Alfie Evans!' 

Dozens had ran towards the main doors before police officers stationed inside and out strung across the entrance blocking the way, and after after a short stand off the crowd retreated to gather around 100 yards away on the road outside.  

The case had echoes of that of Charlie Gard, who was born in August 2016 with a rare form of mitochondrial disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, including in his organs.

The British boy died on July 29 last year, one week short of his first birthday, after doctors withdrew life support treatment.

Police had to step in to stop protesters trying to enter Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool where Alfie Evans is being treated for a degenerative neurological condition

Mr Evans regularly spoke out against bosses at Alder Hey as he argued for his son to be transferred to a hospital in Italy with links to the Vatican 

Gard's parents fought a five-month legal battle for him to be taken to the United States for experimental treatment, but lost a series of appeals in British courts and the ECHR despite support from President Donald Trump. 

Alfie was put on life support at the Liverpool hospital in December 2016, after catching a chest infection causing seizures, and has remained there ever since. 

Last year Mr Evans said he was seeking treatment for his son in the US, claiming in December that his son was letting them know he wanted to live. 

A consultant told the High Court in February that Alfie was unresponsive, not conscious of his surroundings and could not be cured. 

A judge ruled that doctors could stop providing treatment to Alfie, and the Court of Appeal and UK Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision.  It came after a British judge said flying Alfie to a foreign hospital would be wrong and pointless, in a decision since backed by Britain's Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.

An ECHR spokesman said: 'The European Court of Human Rights has today rejected the application submitted by the family of Alfie Evans as inadmissible.'

The couple have argued that Alfie is being wrongly 'detained' at Alder Hey and have made a habeas corpus application.

A writ of habeas corpus - Latin for 'you may have the body' - is a legal manoeuvre, based on common law dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, which requires a court to examine the legality of a detention. 

A spokesman for Alder Hey said: 'Alder Hey Children's Hospital remains open as usual for all visitors and appointments, however visitors may notice an increase in visible police presence in and around the hospital site - this is part of our ongoing security arrangements.'  

What was the degenerative brain condition Alfie had and why was it so difficult to diagnose? 

Alfie's parents noticed he was not developing as expected aged just two months, and a brain scan in December 2016 showed widespread brain abnormalities.

Days later he was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool suffering seizures, and as doctors tried to bring them under control Alfie stopped breathing on several occasions and went into cardiac arrest.

He was transferred to intensive care in a coma and placed on a ventilator, remaining on life support until this was withdrawn by a High Court order on Monday.

Doctors believed he had a degenerative neurological condition, but they were never able to confirm it to his parents.

They say he was most likely suffering from a mitochondrial disorder - an incurable condition that prevent sufferers from being able to convert food into energy.

Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialised compartments present in every cell of the body (except red blood cells).

Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 per cent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function.

When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. 

If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole organ systems begin to fail.

The parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, muscles and lungs, requiring the greatest amounts of energy are the most affected.

Mitochondrial diseases are difficult to diagnose, because they affect patient differently.

Symptoms include seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays, inability to walk, talk, see, and digest food combined with a host of other complications. 

If three or more organ systems are involved, mitochondrial disease should be suspected.

Although mitochondrial disease primarily affects children, adult onset is becoming more common.

Medics said scans of Alfie's brain showed most of his brain matter had been replaced by fluid and could not be regenerated, which left him in a vegetative state for over a year.

Protestors want the hospital to keep Alfie alive and allow his parents to decide his care

Protesters who call themselves 'Alfie's Army' held placards outside the hospital today

A protester ties a balloon to a road sign on which demonstrators have tied messages

There were tears among those who gathered outside the hospital in Liverpool this afternoon

Chief Inspector Chris Gibson of Merseyside Police said: 'We continue to provide a policing presence at Alder Hey and recognise the sensitivities involved in this very difficult and sad situation.

'We would like to remind the public that this is a hospital for sick children and it should not be forgotten that many families are going through extremely challenging and emotional times.

'We would ask protesters to respect families and staff, including the poorly children in the wards and to ensure that access to the hospital is not restricted at any time, so that services including the blood and ambulance service can run as efficiently as possible.'

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes. 

Alfie Evans: Timeline of case brought by parents against hospital

2016

May 9: Alfie is born in Liverpool to parents Tom Evans and Kate James, now aged 21 and 20 respectively.

December: Alfie is taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after suffering seizures. He will spend the next 12 months there.

Alfie Evans is born in Liverpool to parents Tom Evans and Kate James, now aged 21 and 20 respectively

2017

December 11: Hospital bosses say they are 'liaising directly' with the family after disagreements over his treatment. Alfie's parents said the hospital has applied to the High Court to remove parental rights and withdraw ventilation.

December 19: A High Court judge, Mr Justice Hayden, begins overseeing the case at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London. The hospital says continuing life-support treatment would not be in Alfie's best interests, but his parents disagree and say they want permission to fly him to Italy for treatment. The judge says he will make a decision on what is best for Alfie.

2018

February 1: A hearing begins at the High Court in Liverpool in which lawyers acting for the hospital claim further treatment for Alfie is unkind and inhumane.

February 2: One of Alfie's doctors tells the judge there is 'no hope' for the youngster, who is in a semi-vegetative state from a degenerative neurological condition doctors have not been able to definitively identify.

February 5: Mr Evans tells the court Alfie 'looks me in the eye' and wants his help.

February 20: Mr Justice Hayden rules in favour of hospital bosses, saying he accepted medical evidence which showed further treatment was futile.

March 1: Three Court of Appeal judges begin analysing the case after Alfie's parents mount a challenge to the High Court ruling. The family ask for the appeal hearing to be adjourned for a few weeks so they can discuss the ruling with lawyers, but the judges refuse.March 18 2018: As the family wait to hear back from the Supreme Court about their case, they share this photograph of the youngster being weaned of drug clobazam

March 6: Court of Appeal judges uphold the decision of Mr Justice Hayden.

March 8: Alfie's parents ask for the case to be considered by Supreme Court justices.

March 20: Supreme Court justices decide the case is not worth arguing and refuse to give the couple permission to mount another appeal.

March 28: Judges at the European Court of Human Rights reject a bid from Mr Evans and Ms James for them to examine issues relating to Alfie's future, saying they found no appearance of any human rights violation.

April 11: Mr Justice Hayden endorses an end-of-life care plan for Alfie drawn up by specialists.

April 12: Protesters gather outside Alder Hey hospital as Alfie's father insists he has the right to take him home.

April 18 2018: This picture is shared as Alfie's father flies to meet the Pope, with the caption, 'I'd travel as many miles as needed, I'd climb the highest mountain'

April 16: Alfie's parents argue he is being wrongly 'detained' at Alder Hey and make a habeas corpus application. Judges at the Court of Appeal in London rule against them and again uphold the decisions of Mr Justice Hayden. The couple's lawyer said they might make a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Merseyside Police launch an investigation into 'instances of verbal abuse and acts of intimidation' among protesters outside the hospital. Judges raise concerns about reports that ambulances and staff were unable to enter the hospital and that patients and their families had been frightened. Alfie's parents apologise, saying they did not intend to 'harm or cause conflict or upset'.

April 17: Mr Evans and Ms James ask Supreme Court justices to consider their case for a second time, a spokeswoman confirms.

April 18: Mr Evans flies to Rome and meets with Pope Francis. He kissed the Pope's hand and begged the leader of the Catholic church to save Alfie's life.

April 20: The Supreme Court rules against Alfie's parents for a second time, refusing them permission to appeal against the decision. Mr and Mrs Evans had been trying to persuade the court that Alfie was being unlawfully detained at Alder Hey hospital.

The parents make an application to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to take Alfie to Rome for treatment, instead of letting him come off life support.

April 23: The European Court of Human Rights refuse the application made by Alfie's parents, saying: 'The European Court of Human Rights has today rejected the application submitted by the family of Alfie Evans as inadmissible.'

A group of about 200 protesters tries to storm Alder Hey hospital, where Alfie has been receiving treatment. Police officers blocked the entrance as dozens of people charged at the doors.Alfie Evans is granted Italian citizenship. In a bid to facilitate moving Alfie to Italy to receive treatment, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: 'Foreign minister Angelino Alfano and interior minister Marco Minniti have granted citizenship to little Alfie. The Italian government hopes that in this way, being an Italian citizen will enable the immediate transfer of the child to Italy.'

On Monday evening, a High Court Judge dismisses new submissions made in private by the lawyers for Alfie's parents via telephone.

At around 9pm, life support is withdrawn by doctors at Alder Hey hospital, according to Mr Evans. He said in a Facebook post that his son had been breathing for himself since 9.17pm.

April 24: Alfie was still breathing on his own this morning, according to his father. At 7am, Mr Evans said: 'Nine hours he has been breathing now. It's actually come to the point where his mum is asleep next to him. She can actually go to sleep next to him. She feels comfortable with him.'

April 25: Alfie's parents fail in an 11th-hour attempt to persuade judges to let them move the terminally-ill youngster to a foreign hospital.

April 26: Alfie's parents pledge to work alongside doctors to give the boy 'the dignity and comfort he needs'.

April 28: The 23-month-old - who was being treated at Alder Hey - died at 2.30am, Ms James and Mr Evans say on Facebook. 'Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30 am. We are heart broken. Thankyou everyone for all your support,' the post said.