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Alfie Evans could be flown to Italy with the help of a Vatican-approved "military air ambulance" in a last-ditch attempt to save the 23-month-old's life. Paul Diamond, counsel for the brave toddler;s father, said: "There is a military air ambulance on standby at the request of the Pope." Little Alfie has been diagnosed with an incurable neurological condition which doctors say he will not survive. But his family and supporters, known as Alfie's Army, are pushing for emergency treatment in Italy, who this week granted him citizenship. The Pope personally intervened earlier this month and has today approved of the use of an air ambulance.

EXPRESS / GETTY Alfie Evans could be flown to Italy after the Pop put a helicopter on standby

A judge has ruled that Alfie will not be allowed to be taken abroad for treatment, but Alfie's parents are challenging the decision in the Court of Appeal. Calls were made on the Alfie's Army Facebook page earlier on Wednesday for ventilation equipment to be brought to the hospital. Alfie's life support was switched off on Monday but today he is still breathing unassisted. In a live video posted on Facebook, his father Tom Evans said Alfie's life had been "sustained" for a third time. He said: "The warrior strikes again. He's back. He's just had a little dip, he went pale, lips started going a little bit but he's back."

Alfie Evans: A life in pictures Fri, April 27, 2018 Alfie’s parents Tom Evans and Kate James said they were 'heartbroken' in the tragic announcement Play slideshow Facebook 1 of 21 The final photo of Alfie Evans, who died overnight following a long battle

He added: "Just wanted everyone to know Alfie's stabilised." Supporters were later seen running into the hospital with what appeared to be medical equipment. Police remained in and around the building throughout the day and 20 to 30 supporters of the family were outside, with some parked in cars across the road. A hospital spokesman said patients may notice enhanced security but should attend appointments as normal.

GETTY Alfie Evans' parents and supporters are fighting to send the sick boy to Italy

Alfie's parents have already lost two rounds of fights, in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. In February, Mr Justice Hayden ruled that doctors at Alder Hey could stop treating Alfie against the wishes of his parents following hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool. Specialists at Alder Hey said life-support treatment should stop and Mr Justice Hayden said he accepted medical evidence which showed that further treatment was futile. Mr Justice Hayden said flying Alfie to a foreign hospital would be wrong and pointless. Court of Appeal judges upheld his decisions andSupreme Court justices and ECHR judges refused to intervene. The couple then said that Alfie was being wrongly "detained". Mr Justice Hayden dismissed that claim.

Alfie Evans: A look back at the heartbreaking case Fri, April 27, 2018 RIP Alfie Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 27 Police stand guard outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital on April 24, 2018 in Liverpool