'Heartbroken' doctor treating sick Alfie Evans says staff are 'genuinely scared of hostility' from protesters outside
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A 'heartbroken' doctor caring for Alfie Evans described how colleagues have "genuine fear" over the hostility towards hospital staff.
Legal teams for Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool today attended an emergency hearing at a court in Manchester where representatives for Alfie's parents argued he should be allowed to go to Rome for further treatment.
The last ditch-plea, which was rejected by the judge, came after the tot was breathing unaided for nearly 24 hours after his life support was withdrawn, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The court heard that, although supporters were shocked at the news Alfie was still breathing, doctors had warned them he could die within minutes, hours or could stay breathing for a number of days.
To follow all the live updates on the legal battle over Alfie Evans, click here.
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Paul Diamond, from the Christian Legal Centre, said it was estimated that Alfie could live for up to ten days and urged the court to allow him to go to Rome, as there was an air ambulance waiting.
At one point in the proceedings, a clinician - still wearing their scrubs - said that staff at the hospital were 'heartbroken' by what they described as 'hostility' shown towards them.
The court heard how there was a "genuine fear" among staff, and that it was "heartbreaking that we're here again arguing when all we want to do is the best for Alfie's family".
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They estimated that it would be at least three to five days before Alfie could be moved to his family home, but that the current hostility would make it "impossible" at present.
They also argued that moving patients home "doesn't happen overnight" and could only happen after extensive considerations by medical teams.
Reporters at the court described how press and public were searched at the courtroom doors, as well as on entrance to the building as security measures were stepped up.