ARCHIE Battersbee’s parents have lost their bid to the European Court of Human Rights.

The European Court of Human Rights has refused an application by the parents of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee to postpone the withdrawal of his life-support.

His parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, submitted the application to the Strasbourg-based court just a couple of hours before Barts Health NHS Trust was expected to withdraw Archie’s life support this morning at 11am.

Before the decision this evening, Ms Dance was hoping they would step in.

READ MORE >> Doctors in Japan and Turkey say they have medical interventions to help Archie, his mum says

Speaking outside the hospital at the time of the application, she said: “I am hoping that they will step in and give Archie a right to live. I think that he deserves that.”

Hollie also claimed two countries have come forward to offer her son treatment.

She said: “If this country can’t treat him or they’re not willing to treat him, where is the harm in allowing him to go to another country?”

The mother of the 12-year-old vowed she would continue to fight until the “bitter end”.

“I promised Arch, same with his dad, that we will fight ’til the bitter end.

“That is exactly what we’re going to do.

“We’re going to fight for the right for my son to live.”

Archie was found by his mother unconscious in April, and she believes he was taking part in an online challenge.

More to follow.