Alfie Evans treatment battle taken to European Court of Human Rights

The parents of a 22-month-old boy at the centre of a life-support treatment battle have asked European judges to consider their case after running out of legal options in the UK.

Tom Evans and Kate James, who are in their 20s and from Liverpool, want judges at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to examine issues relating to the future of their son, Alfie Evans.

A spokesman for the ECHR said on Monday that judges were considering an application from the couple.

He said no decisions had yet been made.

A High Court judge has ruled that doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool can stop treating Alfie, against the wishes of his parents.

That decision has been upheld by Court of Appeal judges and Supreme Court justices.

Alfie's parents have now asked the ECHR to halt the withdrawal of treatment as an "interim measure".

"The court has received a request for an interim measure to stay the withdrawal of Alfie Evans's treatment," said the ECHR spokesman.

"The court is still considering that request."