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Brave cancer fighter Bradley Lowery is no longer responsive, his heartbroken family revealed on social media tonight.

However, an update on his Facebook page says the six-year-old is still "listening to everything we say" and "is fighting so hard".

They later tried to reassure his legion of followers on Twitter that: "Bradley has not passed away yet, he is very poorly and weak but still fighting on."

It comes the same day his 'best friend' England striker Jermaine Defoe broke down in tears as he paid tribute to the little battler during a press conference.

On the Bradley lowery's fight against neuroblastoma page tonight it said: "Bradley has had a settled day, he is no longer responsive but we know he is listening to everything we say. He is fighting so hard it's heart breaking for us to watch.

"When the time comes there will be a update on his page first before anywhere else.

"Thank you for all your kind words and support."

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(Image: PA) (Image: Facebook) (Image: RichardCrease/BNPS)

(Image: Facebook)

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Hours earlier England striker Defoe was reduced to tears when asked about the little boy's condition.

Lowery and Premier League star have been "best friends" since the youngster walked out as a mascot with his hero before a Sunderland game.

The pair have struck up a strong bond with Defoe regularly going to visit Bradley - who has bravely fought rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma for most of his life.

But in the last week, Bradley's heartbroken family revealed his health had gone down hill and he was "close to being with angels".

Defoe made a tear jerking last visit to Bradley last week for final hugs - and the newly signed Bournemouth star teared up as he was asked about his brave pal.

"It has been difficult," Defoe said.

(Image: Facebook)

"It has been hard because I've been keeping this in for so long, trying to be strong for my family and his family."

Last week Bradley held a get together at his sixth birthday party with his cousins and his girlfriend, before he was later paid a visit by Defoe.

The family posted pictures of Bradley's party on Facebook, as he shared cuddles on a bed, before falling asleep wrapped in a blanket.

They believe it was his way of saying goodbye to his closest friends.

(Image: Facebook) (Image: PA)

In the previous post they wrote: "He insisted on having a party and he invited his cousins and girlfriend poppy yesterday.

"They all laid on the bed having cuddles I think it was his way of saying his good byes.

The youngster has fought a brave battle against Neuroblastoma for more than four years, after he was diagnosed on January 7, 2013 when he was just 18-months-old.

Bradley has endured gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive care treatments but his courage in smiling through the pain moved football fans everywhere.

(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty)

Supporters from many different clubs sang his name and held banners at matches - and he was welcomed as a star guest during the red carpet arrivals for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2016 at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham in December.

Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, beat the disease once but after some time in remission the aggressive form of cancer came back in July 2016.

His family have raised money for for treatment in America, but doctors delivered the heart-breaking news that the little boy’s cancer had become terminal and the treatment would only prolong his life – or even kill him.

Any money raised will go towards the Bradley Lowery Foundation to support others going through the same ordeal.