Great Ormond Street Hospital has said "claims of new evidence" in the treatment of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard have prompted it to apply for a new court hearing.

In a statement, the hospital said: "We have just met with Charlie's parents to inform them of this decision and will continue to keep them fully appraised of the situation.

"Two international hospitals and their researchers have communicated to us as late as the last 24 hours that they have fresh evidence about their proposed experimental treatment.

"And we believe, in common with Charlie's parents, it is right to explore this evidence."

Researchers at the Vatican children's hospital have sent a letter urging Charlie's doctors to reconsider an experimental treatment.


They said there had been "dramatic clinical improvements" in people and mice with a condition similar - though not the same - to Charlie's.

An American hospital has offered to bring an experimental drug to the UK to treat him.

Leaving Great Ormond Street on Friday evening, Charlie's mother, Connie Yates, said: "We're hopeful and confident that Charlie may get a chance now."

:: Trump and Pope give baby Charlie Gard's parents 'hope'

Image: A banner hung on the railings of Great Ormond Street Hospital

Charlie has mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome which causes progressive muscle weakness and brain damage.

He is only the 16th person in the world ever to have been diagnosed with the condition.

Ms Yates told ITV on Friday that her son was "not in pain and suffering".

She said: "I promise everyone I would not sit there and watch my son in pain and suffering, I couldn't do it."

Great Ormond Street said in its statement that it was "bound by the ruling of the High Court which expressly forbids us from transferring Charlie for nucleoside therapy anywhere".

Image: Charlie has a rare genetic condition

It said the ruling had been "supported unequivocally by some of the world's most distinguished clinicians and scientists".

The hospital described Charlie's condition as "exceptionally rare, with catastrophic and irreversible brain damage".

It added: "Our doctors have explored every medical treatment, including experimental nucleoside therapies.

"Independent medical experts agreed with our clinical team that this treatment would be unjustified.

"Not only that, but they said it would be futile and would prolong Charlie's suffering. This is not an issue about money or resources, but absolutely about what is right for Charlie.

"Our view has not changed. We believe it is right to seek the High Court's view in light of the claimed new evidence."

A family spokesperson said: "The decision by Great Ormond St Hospital to apply for a fresh hearing in the High Court regarding their son Charlie marks the end of an extremely traumatic and distressing week for his parents and the rest of his family.

"Connie and Chris are like any loving parents. They have always put Charlie's needs first and will continue to do so as they only want the very best for him.

"They are optimistic their son will soon get the treatment he needs and want to thank those people from around the world who've sent them so many moving and touching messages of support."