THE FATHER of ill toddler Alfie Evans has asked his army of supporters to return to their ‘everyday lives’.
Speaking outside Alder Hey Hospital, where the 23-month-old is being treated, Tom Evans thanked well-wishers but said the family now wished for privacy.
It comes after rising tensions between both parties, with the hospital saying staff have faced “unprecedented personal abuse” from the family’s supporters.
There has been an increased security presence at the hospital recently while on Monday, supporters tried to storm the building.
In a statement, Mr Evans said: "Our lives have been turned upside down by the intense focus on Alfie and his situation.
Alfie Evans' father Tom outside Alder Hey Hospital last week (Image: Getty)"Our little family along with Alder Hey has become the centre of attention for the world and it has meant we have not been able to live our lives as we would like.
"We are very grateful and we appreciate all the support we have received from around the world, including from our Italian and Polish supporters, who have dedicated their time and support to our incredible fight.
"We would now ask you to return back to your everyday lives and allow myself, Kate and Alder Hey to form a relationship, build a bridge and walk across it.
“We also wish to thank Alder Hey staff at every level for their dignity and professionalism during what must have been an incredibly difficult time for them too.
"Together we recognise the strains recent events have put upon us all and we now wish for privacy for everyone concerned.
Alfie Evans (Image: Kayleigh Price / change.org)"In Alfie's interests we will work with his treatment team on a plan that provides our boy with the dignity and comfort he needs.
"From this point onwards there will be no more statements issued, or interviews given.
"We hope you will respect this."
Alfie, who has been diagnosed with an incurable degenerative neurological condition, had his life support withdrawn on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling preventing his parents from flying him to Rome for treatment at the Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital.
They are now in talks with Alder Hey about taking Alfie home.
