The father of a 12-year-old boy at the centre of a life-support dispute has taken ill prior to a Court of Appeal hearing in London.

A lawyer today told three appeal judges that Archie Battersbee's father, Paul Battersbee, from Southend, had been taken to hospital.

Judges were told that Mr Battersbee might have suffered a heart attack or a stroke.

However, judges did not allow this to delay their ruling.

Doctors can lawfully stop providing life-support treatment to a 12-year-old boy left in a comatose state after suffering "catastrophic" brain damage three months ago, appeal judges have ruled.

Read more >>> Doctors can stop providing life-support treatment to Archie, appeal judges rule

Three Court of Appeal judges on Monday delivered a ruling about what moves are in the best interests of Archie Battersbee.

Sir Andrew McFarlane, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Peter Jackson had considered arguments at a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London last week.

Archie's parents are being support by a campaign organisation called the Christian Legal Centre.

Andrea Williams, its chief executive, said outside court: "I am very disappointed that they have not adjourned this decision given that Mr Battersbee has been taken to hospital.

"I've been in touch with Archie's mother - she is disgusted."

Sir Andrew, said in a detailed ruling on the appeal bid, that medical staff had seen "no signs of life" in Archie.

He said the case had received widespread media coverage - including a photograph of Archie.

"Archie is no longer the boy in the photograph," said Sir Andrew.

"He is someone whose every bodily function is now maintained by artificial means."