Image copyright Kate James

Alfie Evans, the 23-month-old toddler at the centre of a High Court legal battle, has died, nearly a week after his life support was withdrawn.

The boy from Merseyside, who had a degenerative brain condition, died at 02:30 BST, his father Tom Evans said.

On Facebook he wrote: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings... absolutely heartbroken."

The Pope, who took a personal interest in the case, tweeted: "I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie."

He added: "Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace."

Hundreds of supporters of Alfie's parents, known as Alfie's Army, released balloons at a park in a tribute to the toddler.

His aunt Sarah Evans thanked the crowd, saying: "Our hearts are broken. We are absolutely shattered as a family."

Alfie's parents lost all legal challenges to a court ruling allowing the hospital to withdraw ventilation.

The boy had his life support withdrawn on Monday after being in a semi-vegetative state for more than a year.

The legal campaign, launched by Mr Evans and Alfie's mother Kate James, attracted widespread attention and saw them clash with doctors over the child's treatment.

The case drew international support including from Pope Francis, who asked that "their desire to seek new forms of treatment may be granted".

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Hundreds of well-wishers gathered to release balloons in tribute

Earlier in April, Mr Evans pleaded with him to "save our son" during a meeting in Rome.

Image copyright Christopher Furlong Image caption A woman grieves outside the children's hospital

A statement from Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where Alfie was treated, said staff expressed their "heartfelt sympathy".

"All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them. This has been a devastating journey for them," it said.

It asked those wishing to leave tributes to Alfie to place them at the nearby Springfield Park.

Image copyright Facebook

The RC Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon, said: "All who have been touched by the story of this little boy's heroic struggle for life will feel this loss deeply.

"Now it is time for us to give Tom and Kate space to grieve their son's death and offer our prayers for him and consolation for all."

Everton FC tweeted: "Everybody at the Club is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave young Evertonian. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The Bradley Lowery Foundation, named after the six-year-old boy who died after suffering from neuroblastoma, paid tribute to Alfie's parents, saying "they did everything they could for their little boy".

Image copyright ACTION4ALFIE Image caption Alfie Evans was in a "semi-vegetative state" in Alder Hey Children's Hospital

Alfie, who was born in May 2016, was first admitted to the hospital the following December after suffering seizures, and had been a patient ever since.

His parents, who live in Bootle, wanted to fly the toddler to an Italian hospital, but this was rejected by doctors who said continuing treatment was "not in Alfie's best interests".

Alder Hey Hospital said scans showed "catastrophic degradation of his brain tissue" and that further treatment was not only "futile" but also "unkind and inhumane".

The couple heavily criticised medical staff, with Mr Evans suggesting his son was a "prisoner" at the hospital and had been misdiagnosed.

Image copyright PA Image caption Tom Evans and Kate James contested the hospital's decision to take Alfie off life support

Hospital bosses were backed by the High Court, which ruled in their favour on 20 February, after accepting medical evidence that there was "no hope" for the youngster.

In a four-month legal battle, Alfie's parents unsuccessfully contested the ruling at the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Alfie was granted Italian citizenship on Monday, with the country's government saying it hoped the toddler could have an "immediate transfer to Italy".

However, two days later the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling preventing the toddler from travelling abroad after life support was withdrawn.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption On Thursday, Alfie's father Tom Evans urged campaigners to "return to your lives"

Supporters of Alfie's parents protested outside the hospital, prompting its bosses to defend staff who they said had endured a "barrage" of abuse.

On Monday, a group of protesters tried to get into the hospital after the ECHR refused to intervene.

Merseyside Police is investigating claims patients and staff had been intimidated.

On Thursday, Mr Evans thanked supporters but asked them "to go home" so the parents could build a relationship with the hospital to provide the toddler "with the dignity and comfort he needs".