Hundreds of mourners gathered at Liverpool’s Catholic cathedral on Thursday morning for the funeral of 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death after the city’s Christmas lights switch-on. It was a grey, wet Liverpool day but there was lots of colour as many people arrived in purples, pinks, reds and blues – anything but black at the request of the family. Her coffin, which had made its way to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on a horsedrawn carriage, was covered in family photographs of the 12-year-old. Ava was with friends at Liverpool’s Christmas lights switch-on when she was attacked on 25 November. She was taken to Alder Hey children’s hospital where she died from her wounds. Police have said they believe a “verbal argument” took place which resulted in Ava suffering “catastrophic injuries”. Archbishop Malcolm McMahon said at the funeral Ava was a “popular, loving young person” who he was told “would try anything once” and “did not fear anything”. She loved going on holiday, mixed martial arts, singing, dancing and making TikTok videos, he said. He said: “Ava was loved by so many people, undoubtedly heaven will be a happier place.” A round of applause broke out as the coffin was carried out of the cathedral to continue its journey to Anfield Crematorium. Afterwards McMahon talked of the “tragic and heartbreaking” loss of Ava which “brought deep shock and sadness to everyone in the city. “The turnout today at the cathedral shows the unity and love that we have in Liverpool for Ava and her family. It was an incredibly moving and emotional funeral which was a fitting tribute to Ava. “We continue to pray for Ava, her family, her friends, her teachers and the community.” Pupils and staff from Ava’s school, Notre Dame Catholic College, and staff from her former school, Holy Trinity Catholic primary school, were in attendance. After Ava’s death, her father, Robert Martin, issued a statement thanking people for their ongoing support through what was a “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.” A vigil was held in Liverpool city centre, close to where the incident took place, on 4 December. Hundreds of balloons, some in the shape of the letter A, were released simultaneously and Astrid Smith sang John Lennon’s Imagine. A coroner last week opened an inquest into Ava’s death at which he said she died as a result of a stab wound to the neck. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Liverpool crown court on 29 November charged with her murder. He is expected to face trial next year.