Staff at the hospital treating terminally ill boy Charlie Gard have received death threats, it has emerged.

Great Ormond Street Hospital says it has contacted police following a "shocking and disgraceful tide" of hostility and disturbance - both in the street and at the London medical facility.

Thousands of abusive messages have been sent to doctors and nurses, and families visiting their children at the hospital have been "harassed and discomforted".

Charlie's parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard said they do not condone threats against the hospital staff.

They have been battling in the courts for permission to take him to America for treatment, but Great Ormond Street says this would not help.


Mary MacLeod, chairman of the hospital, said in a statement: "Great Ormond Street Hospital cares for many thousands of seriously unwell children every year, providing outstanding treatment for those who need it most.

"Charlie Gard's case is a heart-breaking one. We fully understand that there is intense public interest, and that emotions run high.

"We recognise the tireless advocacy of Charlie's loving parents and the natural sympathy people feel with his situation.

Image: Charlie Gard's parents want new evidence to be considered

"However, in recent weeks the GOSH community has been subjected to a shocking and disgraceful tide of hostility and disturbance. Staff have received abuse both in the street and on line.

"Thousands of abusive messages have been sent to doctors and nurses whose life's work is to care for sick children. Many of these messages are menacing, including death threats.

"Families have been harassed and discomforted while visiting their children, and we have received complaints of unacceptable behaviour even within the hospital itself.

"Whatever the strong emotions raised by this case, there can be no excuse for patients and families to have their privacy and peace disturbed as they deal with their own often very stressful situations or for dedicated doctors and nurses to suffer this kind of abuse.

"Great Ormond Street Hospital is in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and we will do everything possible to hold to account anybody who involved in this kind of deplorable behaviour."

Image: Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie is being treated

The hospital's constituency MP, Keir Starmer, said the abuse had to stop. He said: "Charlie Gard's case is truly tragic and the whole nation sympathises with his parents. It is understandable that people feel very strongly about the case.

"But the abuse of staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital outside the hospital and online is totally unacceptable. There is no place for this abuse and it has to stop."

A judge at the High Court has been hearing evidence about the potential of an experimental treatment that it is claimed could help the baby.

The court has previously ruled in favour of the hospital and said 11-month-old Charlie should be allowed to die with dignity.

On Friday the court heard that a new MRI scan on Charlie made for "sad reading".

The court is due to hold a hearing to consider the latest developments on Monday.