A VIGIL in memory of 12-year-old Ava White took place in Liverpool City Centre this evening.

Ava was fatally stabbed in the city centre on Thursday, November 25 on the evening of Liverpool's Christmas Lights switch on.

With the news shocking residents across Merseyside and the entire country, hundreds gathered at the vigil outside Primark on Church Street tonight (December 4) to pay their respects.

The vigil, which started at 6pm, was organised by A&E Entertainment and with the blessing of Ava's family.

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Ava White (Pic: PA)

With support and solidarity for Ava's family, hundreds of people flooded Church Street to remember the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil, with many bringing flowers, lights and balloons in her honour.

Many people wore hoodies with Ava’s face on and others had her name written on their faces.

The Radio City tower was lit up blue in memory of the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil.

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The crowd signs You’ll Never Walk Alone (Danny Lawson/PA)

Imagine by John Lennon was performed by Astrid Smith as hundreds held up glowsticks and phones to light up the city centre in Ava’s memory.

You’ll Never Walk Alone was played as was music including Hero by Mariah Carey and Where Is The Love by the Black Eyed Peas.

A number of the crowd were in tears during the vigil.

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12-year-old Astrid Smith sings during the vigil (Danny LAwson/PA)

A statement on A&E Entertainment's Facebook page read: “[At the vigil] we will all come together as one, standing up against knife crime and standing strong for the family of a beautiful life lost.

“We stand together as we light Liverpool up for a beautiful little soul Ava White.”

St Helens Star: Tributes have been left in memory of Ava in Liverpool City Centre (Pic: PA)Tributes have been left in memory of Ava in Liverpool City Centre (Pic: PA)

On Friday, Ava’s father, Robert Martin, paid tribute, saying her family has been left “completely devastated and heartbroken”.

In a statement released by Merseyside Police, Mr Martin 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.

“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.”

Tributes were also paid to Ava at the Merseyside derby match between Liverpool FC and Everton on Wednesday, December 1.

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A minute’s applause was held and a banner with both club badges and the message “No more knives in our city” was held by supporters.

A 14-year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, was charged on Monday, November 29 with murder and possession of a bladed article, and has been remanded in custody.

He is due for a plea hearing in February, with a trial date being scheduled for the 16th May.