The family of Ava White have released new pictures of the 12-year-old as the murder probe continues.

At around 8.39pm on Thursday night, 25 November, officers were called to reports of an assault in the area of Church Alley.

When they arrived, they discovered that Ava, who had been with friends collapsed on the ground with a member of the public who witnessed the incident giving her first aid.

Paramedics attended at the scene and Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she died a short time later.

Four teenage boys – one aged 13, two aged 14 and one aged 15 years, all from the Dingle area remain in custody for questioning.

READ: Murder investigation launched after 12-year-old girl is stabbed in Liverpool city centre

Merseyside Police have now issued new pictures of Ava on behalf of her family.

St Helens Star: Murdered school girl Ava White. Photo: Merseyside PoliceMurdered school girl Ava White. Photo: Merseyside Police

They have also issued an image of a van – which police say may have witnessed vital details from Ava’s attack.

Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ava’s family, friends and the wider community.

“Ava’s family are being supported by specialist officers and they have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“Merseyside Police is absolutely determined to bring those responsible to justice.

“Today we are also issuing new images of Ava on behalf of her family. 
 St Helens Star: Ava White. Photo: Merseyside PoliceAva White. Photo: Merseyside Police

“We are also sharing a still image of a van which was in the vicinity of the incident and may have witnessed something vital.

St Helens Star: The van that may have witnessed Ava's attackThe van that may have witnessed Ava's attack

“To be clear, we think those vehicle's occupants are witnesses, and in no way suspected of being involved.

“However, we still need to speak to those people as soon as possible to confirm what information they might hold. 
 
“We’d also urge anyone else who has captured the incident or aftermath to send any images/footage directly via the following link: 
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP21M43-PO1 

“Four males remain in custody for questioning, and a part of the city centre remains cordoned off while we continue our work.

“I’d like to thank the businesses and residents in the area for their patience and understanding while we make these vital enquiries.
 
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind people not to make any comments on social media which might potentially jeopardise our investigation, including of course names of any people potentially involved.

“We welcome any such information, but please only pass it on in the following ways so we can continue to make progress in our investigation.”
 
You can pass information on with reference 21000820789 via ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.