As Ava White, a 12-year-old girl from Liverpool was attacked and stabbed following an accidental Christmas lights switch in Liverpool, the coffin carrying her body was filled with heartfelt family photos. 

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral was packed with mourners to pay tribute to Ava. She died of ‘catastrophic injuries’ after being taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on November 25, at 8.30pm.

Some people who entered the building in tears were arriving in the pouring rain to attend the 10am service, while others arrived wearing bright clothes with Ava-related pictures.

Robert Martin, Ava’s father said that the family was ‘completely distraught and heartbroken’ following her death. “We want to thank everyone for your continued support throughout this terrible time.”

Martin expressed his gratitude to people for their donations and kind words. Many people paid their respects to Martin at the vigil held earlier this month. Flowers and balloons were placed in the city’s centre in her honor.

Liverpool Andre Rebello’s senior coroner stated at the inquest that the victim was fatally stabbed to the neck. For legal reasons, a 14-year old boy has been charged for murder.

The coffin of schoolgirl Ava White arrives at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for funeral this morning

A funeral for schoolgirl Ava White is being held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning.

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Ava White’s coffin is taken to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at 10:10 this morning for her funeral

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of 12-year-old schoolgirl Ava White

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is packed with mourners for Ava White’s funeral.

Mourners are in tears as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White this morning

As they make their way to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for Ava White’s funeral, many are moved by the emotion.

Mourners walk into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of schoolgirl Ava White this morning

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will be the scene of this morning’s funeral for schoolgirl Ava White.

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of 12-year-old Ava White this morning

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will be hosting the funeral for Ava White (12 years old) this morning.

Mourners appear emotional as they arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for the funeral of Ava White

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool. This morning’s Ava White funeral saw many mourners get emotional.

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Ava White’s coffin will be carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning at 10 AM for her funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

Ava White’s coffin was carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for her funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

Ava White’s coffin was carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for her funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Ava White’s coffin will be carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning at 10 am for her funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today after she was fatally stabbed in Liverpool

Today, Ava White’s coffin is being carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. She was fatally stabbed in Liverpool.

On December 15, the coroner declared that the inquiry was into the death Ava Martin White, a young girl, which began at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in November 25, 2015.

His cause of death was a cut to the neck. At the Gerard Majella Courthouse, Liverpool, Mr Rebello said that Ava was identified by her mother Leanne.

Ava White died after being stabbed following a Christmas lights switch-on in Liverpool city centre on November 25

Ava White was stabbed to death following the switch of Christmas lights in Liverpool’s city centre. It happened on November 25, 2015.

He stated that he had seen Ava at the switch-on of lights in Liverpool’s town centre on November 25, 2015. She arrived in Williamson Square at 8.33pm.

“She then walks along Church Street to Church Alley and an incident occurs where Ava gets stabbed in the neck. Ava was then taken to Alder Hey where she was treated by North West Ambulance Service paramedics.

Rebello stated that a young man was charged with the murder of his daughter and appeared before the court. He stated, “In light of this appearance on the murder charge, I suspend my investigation.”

He requested the coroner’s office to send his condolences Ava’s relatives, but they were not there for the short hearing.

On December 4, thousands of people came out to honor Ava at the candlelight vigil. Friends, family, and other people gathered on Church Street near the scene of the accident to pay their respects to Ava.

Many hundreds of balloons in the shape and size of A were released during the vigil. Ava was seen on many hoodies, while others were adorned with her name.

Radio City’s tower was decorated in blue to honor the memory of year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College students. AstridSmith performed Imagine by John Lennon as many held up their phones and flashlights in order to brighten the center of town.

The song You’ll Never Walk Alone and music such as Hero by Mariah carey or Where is The Love by Black Eyed Peas were played. Several people in the crowd wept during the vigil.

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral at 10am this morning

Ava White’s coffin will be carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning at 10 am for her funeral

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month

After Ava White’s death, mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to attend the funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried into Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral this morning

Ava White’s coffin was carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral this morning for her funeral

The coffin of Ava White is carried towards Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for her funeral in the city this morning

Ava White’s coffin was carried to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral today for her funeral.

A member of the clergy holds the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning

Before the funeral, a member of the clergy held the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral order of service.

Mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for the funeral of Ava White following her death last month

After Ava White’s death, mourners arrive at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to attend the funeral

A person displays the front page of the order of service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral ahead of the funeral this morning

Before the funeral, a person shows the frontpage of the Order of Service at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Anthony Goudie was the organisator of the event. He said, “The entire city is now united to support this vigil. It’s outstanding.”

Ava White was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the attack and later died from 'catastrophic injuries'

After the attack, Ava White was taken by ambulance to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. She later succumbed to ‘catastrophic injuries’.

Ava’s cousin read him a message. It stated: “I wish we could make more memories together, but this is my chance to make you just as proud of us as you are.”

“I would love to be your proudest friend. You are my baby girl. You were too young, but it is all for a good reason.

Anna Rothery (Cllr) addressed the gathering and stated that “No family should ever be forced to experience this.” However, it was important to learn something.

“All the children tonight, who are now grown up, are our future. You deserve to live your normal life in peace knowing you will be protected here.”

She called upon the police, government and council to join forces to combat knife crime. She declared, “Our children should have better.”

The trial date for the 14-year-old suspect in her murder was scheduled on December 1. Via videolink, the defendant was charged with murder along with possession of an offense weapon.

The hearing lasted approximately 15 minutes and the teenager who could not be identified for legal reasons spoke only in order to confirm his identity.

Andrew Menary QC, Honorary Recorder in Liverpool, stated that an oral plea and preparation hearing will be held next February 18.

On May 16, he listed the case as being subject to trial and stated the case could last for two or three weeks. Michael O’Brien, defending, made no application for bail and the teenager was remanded in secure accommodation.