MOURNERS today lined the streets to bid farewell to Ava White after the 12-year-old was stabbed to death at a Christmas lights switch on.
The schoolgirl died after the knife attack in Liverpool city centre on November 25.
Her devastated friends, family and members of the public wanting to pay their respects have gathered today at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
Heartbreaking pictures show the 12-year-old’s coffin, decorated with pictures of happier times, being carried into the historic building today.
Applause was heard as Ava’s coffin was carried out of the cathedral this morning.
Ava's father Robert Martin, her mother Leanne White and her sister Mia were present, along with other family members.
Her fellow pupils from Notre Dame Catholic College were also in attendance, as were some from her former school, Trinity RC Primary.
Many of those attending wore bright colours and some had hoodies bearing a photograph of the youngster.
Speaking at the service, the city’s Archbishop said: “The turnout today shows the unity and love we have in lpool and that for ava and family.
"It was a terribly moving and emotional funeral, a fitting tribute to Ava .
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"We continue to pray for Ava, her family, friends teachers and community."
He added: “Christmas is very much a family time Jesus was born into family. Support of his small family enabled him to grow in love.
"Ava's family will gather at Christmas and undoubtedly feel the loss of her but at same time also feel warmth of the family."
Her family asked mourners to meet at the cathedral to say their goodbyes to the much-loved daughter and sister, rather than follow a horse-drawn cortege through the city's streets.
Scores of people were seen lining the streets to say goodbye to the 12-year-old.
Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the attack at about 8.30pm at the event in November, but she later died from "catastrophic injuries," police said.
She had attended the lights switch on with friends.
Following Ava's death, her father Robert Martin said the family were "completely devastated and heartbroken".
In a statement released by Merseyside Police, he said: "We would like to say thank you to everybody for their ongoing support during this devastating time.
"Thank you to every one of you for your kind messages and donations.
GOODBYE AVA
"As Ava's family we are completely devastated and heartbroken by what has happened and we ask that you respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve as a family."
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 her 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 her murder and is due to appear in court for a plea and trial preparation hearing in February.
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