Police have released a CCTV image of a van, which they believe may have been occupied by key witnesses, as officers investigate the killing of a 12-year-old girl in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police have said the people in the van are not being treated as suspects.

However, they may have witnessed the incident which left Ava White with “catastrophic injuries” after the Christmas lights switch-on event in the city centre at 8.39pm on Thursday.

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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.

Ava White: CCTV to be reviewed as police investigate murder of 12-year-old girl in Liverpool city centre

Ava White: Four teenage boys arrested in Liverpool on suspicion of murdering 12-year-old girl who suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’

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

“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.”

Ms Coombs also urged anyone who captured the incident or aftermath to send images or footage to the force.

Road closures are still in place on School Lane, Church Alley and Fleet Street while investigations continue.

Four boys, one aged 13, two aged 14 and one 15-year-old, also remain in custody after they were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They are currently being interviewed at different police stations across Merseyside.

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