POLICE have urged protesters at Alder Hey Children's Hospital to ensure access for patients, families and medical services is not restricted.

More than 100 people gathered outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool in support of the parents of Alfie Evans today.

Lawyers 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 which requires a court to examine the legality of a detention.

It is a piece of common law which probably dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.

But Mr Justice Hayden has dismissed that habeas corpus claim.

Appeal judges upheld Mr Justice Hayden's decision and on Friday Supreme Court justices said they would not intervene.

Judges have approved plans for withdrawing treatment and bringing Alfie's life to an end.

On Friday Supreme Court justices said there should be no further delay in treatment being stopped.

But Alfie's parents made another application to the ECHR.

The ECHR spokesman went on: "The applicants argue that the prevention of Alfie's transfer from Alder Hey hospital constitutes deprivation of liberty."

An ECHR spokesman said on Monday: "The European Court of Human Rights has today rejected the application submitted by the family of Alfie

Evans as inadmissible."

Alfie's father Tom, has been broadcasting intermittently on Facebook Live from inside the hospital, where several groups of police officers have been patrolling the corridors.

More police are stationed at the hospital entrances.

Police moved in to clear around 50 protesters, linking arms and chanting, "Save Alfie Evans!"

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."

Patients were encouraged to attend appointments but anyone with concerns was advised to call 0151 252 5358.

Mr Evans' sister Sarah emerged briefly to speak to supporters outside the hospital.

She said: "Tom is heartbroken upstairs, obviously he can't come out now."

After a lull the crowd outside staged a protest by blocking the road outside the hospital.

Police moved in but did not attempt to remove the blockade.

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.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted Alfie Evans Italian citizenship.

A statement added: "In this way the Italian government hopes that being an Italian citizen will allow the child immediate transfer to Italy."