ARCHIE’S mother is exploring “one more option” and vows to fight until the “bitter end” after the being refused permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the parents of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee lost a Supreme Court bid to block the withdrawal of his life-sustaining treatment pending a review of his case by a UN committee.

Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, from Southend, last week made an application to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to review Archie's case.

READ MORE >> Archie's parents lose Supreme Court bid to block withdrawal of life-support

A Court of Appeal hearing was held yesterday, following which three senior judges refused to further extend the stay on withdrawing Archie's treatment.

Sir Andrew McFarlane said there would be a short stay put in place until 12pm today to allow Ms Dance and Mr Battersbee time to make an application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has since confirmed it had received the application, but Archie’s family lost the bid.

Following the news, Hollie Dance, said to reporters outside The Royal London Hospital, that legally there is one more option they will explore but said Archie would be “very, very disappointed in our justice system”.

She said: ““Legally, I think we’re exploring one more option this evening but that really is sort of the end.”

She added: “I will continue to fight right until the bitter end. Is that the way forward in this country then we’re allowed to execute children because they’ve got disabilities? What next?”

His mother added that Archie has been “let down” by the legal system.

She said: “Very disappointed in the system, very let down, very disappointed.

“I can honestly say that Archie would be very, very disappointed in our justice systems.

“This is somebody’s child … they’re not just taking a child away from me and Paul, they’re destroying the whole family.

“It’s not right, it’s not right, and something needs to be done – reform desperately needs to be taking place in this country.”

The hospital where Archie Battersbee is being treated has said it will now work with his family to prepare the withdrawal of his life-sustaining treatment following the Supreme Court ruling.

Alistair Chesser, chief medical officer for Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with Archie’s family.

“As directed by the courts, we will now work with the family to prepare for the withdrawal of treatment. We aim to provide the best possible support to everyone at this difficult time.”