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Crowds gathered to protest against the court's decision to back medical advice and allow Charlie Gard's life support to be turned off against the wishes of his parents.

The 10-month-old baby is battling a rare genetic condition and on Friday the European Court of Human Rights ruled Great Ormond Street Hospital did not have to keep him on life support, a decision which left his parents Connie and Chris "utterly heartbroken".

They suffered another blow after being told they couldn't take their son home to die.

(Image: Andrew Taylor/Facebook)

(Image: PA)

Today, many turned out to support Charlie and his family outside the palace in London.

People of all ages joined in to support the cause, holding posters and banners.

Video footage from the protest shows what looks like hundreds of people chanting 'save Charlie Gard' and 'release Charlie Gard'.

One woman held a poster which read: "Release Charlie Gard." Another poster said "Others have tried the treatment," referring to the pioneering treatment in America his parents hoped he'd have but were advised by doctors wouldn't help him.

Police were at the scene, managing the demonstration and telling people where to go.

(Image: @sentinpiedi/Twitter) (Image: PA)

A Facebook event was set up called "Justice For Charlie Gard Buckingham Palace Protest" by 'Charlie's Army'.

The Facebook post said: "We are requesting that you join us in protest outside the Queens Palace, Buckingham Palace at 1pm on Sunday 2nd July. We will be protesting the Courts decision to side with GOSH against Charlie and his parents Connie and Chris.



"We wish to raise awareness of certain things that were said in court that have later been found to be in contradiction of medical evidence that has been made public.

"We have questions that need answering."

(Image: Andrew Taylor/Facebook)

The post continued that anyone was welcome on the protest and that people were needed "more than ever".

The event description added: "We need to show the world how many people believe Charlie still deserves this chance. We also need to make our voices heard and the only way to do this is by getting as many people there as possible.



"This could potentially be our last chance to gather in person and display a show of strength to let the courts, GOSH, doubters and the general public know that Charlie and his family really do have an army behind them."

(Image: PA)

People were told on Facebook to protest outside Buckingham Palace only, and not go anywhere near the hospital.

Charlie suffers from the rare genetic condition mitochondrial depletion, which means he has muscle weakness and brain damage.

His mum and dad battled for him to be allowed to travel to America for pioneering treatment, but doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is being treated, have said he is in "continued pain, suffering and distress" and that the clinical trial in the US would "continue to cause significant harm" but with no real benefit.

After the court decision, Great Ormond Street said: “Our thoughts are with Charlie’s parents on receipt of this news that we know will be very distressing for them.

“Today’s decision marks the end of what has been a very difficult process and our priority is to provide every possible support to Charlie’s parents as we prepare for the next steps.

"There will be no rush to change Charlie’s care.”

