SUPPORTERS of young Archie Battersbee and his family attended a vigil outside the hospital where he is being treated last night.

Archie Battersbee, 12, was found unconscious at his home in Southend, on April 7.

Yesterday, a High Court judge ruled his life-support machine should be turned off.

His family and supporters of Archie's cause gathered outside the Royal London Hospital, where he is being treated, following the result.

His family have vowed to appeal.

Doctors treating Archie say the youngster is “brain-stem dead” and life-support treatment should end.

Mrs Justice Arbuthnot on Monday ruled that Archie, who suffered brain damage in an incident at home in April, was dead and said doctors could lawfully stop treating him.

Archie’s parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbeethe say the youngster’s heart is still beating and want treatment to continue.

“I am devastated and extremely disappointed by the judge’s ruling after weeks of fighting a legal battle when I wanted to be at my little boy’s bedside,” said Ms Dance, in a statement, after the ruling.

“This case raises the significant moral, legal and medical questions as to when a person is dead.

“What does this ruling today tell us about where our society is at?

“We intend to appeal and will not give up on Archie.”