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Alder Hey bosses have pleaded with Alfie Evans protesters not to disturb staff and patients as their demonstration continued into Sunday night.

The children's hospital urged campaigners backing Alfie's battle for survival to limit their noise due to the impact it was having on recovering patients.

Around 100 people were involved in a demonstration outside Alder Hey on Sunday night, with supporters chanting in support of the 23-month-old.

Candles were lit in tribute to the toddler and campaigners lined East Prescot Road as honking cars passed the gathered crowd.

(Image: Geoff Davies)

At one point, they were addressed by Tom Evans - Alfie's dad - from the roof of a nearby bus shelter.

Some protesters appeared to be planning to camp outside the hospital grounds in a show of solidarity with Alfie and his family.

Alder Hey issued a statement in which it urged the noise levels to be "kept to a minimum".

It read: "We would like to make people aware of the impact the current protests are having on our patients, staff and services.

"Noise from recent protests has unfortunately affected our patients so we would ask that noise levels outside the hospital are kept to a minimum and for example car horns are not sounded.

"Loud and constant noise such as from car horns affects sleep and raises anxiety levels for our patients especially when recovering from procedures, so please bear them in mind.

(Image: Geoff Davies)

"For visitors, we have been advised to put additional measures in place so our patients and families are able to access vital services without limitation by others.

"For example tomorrow, visitors may see more security in the hospital and a more controlled approach to access to certain areas.

"This will help us maintain a flow to vital services, so please be patient.

"However Alder Hey remains fully operational with A&E open for urgent and emergency care. Staff should come to work as usual and patients should attend their appointments as scheduled and we look forward to seeing you at our wonderful hospital.

"There will be a hearing at the Court of Appeal which will take place from 10.30am regarding the ongoing Alfie Evans case.

"After this, further announcements may be made. Please look out for these messages.

"Thank you for your continued support and understanding."

The latest demonstration comes on the eve of a court hearing over Alfie's future.

The case is set to be heard in the Court of Appeal on Monday morning after an emergency order was signed off by a judge on Thursday night.

Just days earlier, a date and time for the withdrawal of Alfie's medical support had been set.

On Sunday, the Pope made his second intervention in the tragic case, reportedly telling his followers: "I entrust to your prayer people such as Vincent Lambert in France, little Alfie Evans in England, and others in different countries who live, sometimes for a long period, in a state of grave illness, medically assisted for their basic needs.

"These are delicate situations, very painful and complex.

(Image: Geoff Davies)

"Let us pray that every sick person will always be respected in their dignity and cared for in a way adapted to their condition, with the joint efforts of families, doctors and other health care workers, and with great respect for life."

Alfie, whose battle has inspired the support of thousands across the world, suffers from an undiagnosed brain disease.

Last month, a judge ruled it was in Alfie's best interests for his treatment to be withdrawn.

The decision was then upheld by the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.