Liverpool schoolgirl Ava White died from stab wound to neck, inquest told
The 12-year-old was attacked in Liverpool city centre in November.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Twelve-year-old Ava White died from a stab wound to her neck, a coroner said as her inquest was opened.
The schoolgirl was assaulted in Liverpool city centre following a Christmas lights switch-on on November 25.
Opening an inquest into her death on Wednesday, senior coroner for Liverpool Andre Rebello said: “This is an investigation into the death of a young lady, Ava Martin White, who was certified as having died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on November 25 this year.”
He said the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck.
Mr Rebello told the hearing, at the Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool, that Ava had been identified by her mother Leanne White.
He said: “Ava had attended the switching on of the lights in Liverpool town centre on November 25. At 8.33pm she was in Williamson Square.
“She then walks to Church Street, along to Church Alley, and there an incident takes place where Ava was stabbed in the neck.
“North West Ambulance Service paramedics attended and Ava was taken to Alder Hey.”
Mr Rebello said a youth had been charged with her murder and appeared in court.
He said: “In light of that appearance on the charge of murder I suspend this investigation.”
He asked the coroner’s officer to pass his condolences to Ava’s family, who were not in court for the brief hearing.
Following Ava’s death, her father Robert Martin said the family were “completely devastated and heartbroken”.
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.
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.