A boy appeared in court accused of the murder of 12-year-old Ava White.
The teenager sat in the dock flanked by security guards during a five minute hearing.
He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and that he understood what was happening.
READ MORE: Man hit by BMW as police cordon off roundabout
Ava died after suffering “ catastrophic injuries ” in an assault in Liverpool city centre on Thursday night.
She had been out with friends for the Christmas Lights switch on when a verbal row developed into an “assault on her with a knife”, Merseyside Police said.
The Year 8 pupil at Notre Dame Catholic College has been described as "unique" and "hugely" popular in tributes paid to her since her death.
Bouquets of flowers and balloons have been laid in her memory on Church Street, close to where she was attacked.
On Sunday night Merseyside Police confirmed a 14-year-old boy had been charged with her murder, as well as possession of a bladed article.
He appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, sitting as a youth court, on Monday morning.
Wearing a grey tracksuit the boy, from south Liverpool, stood in the dock as he told the court his name and date of birth.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, then sat down with a security officer either side of him while District Judge Wendy Lloyd discussed the case with Thomas Hanlon, prosecuting, and Michael O'Brien, who was representing the boy.
His case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where he will appear on Wednesday.
He will be remanded in youth detention accommodation until then.
District Judge Wendy Lloyd said: "Because this is a murder case it has to go to the crown court, that is the only place murder cases can be tried.
"I am formally sending it to the crown court for Wednesday morning.
"Between now and then you are going to be kept in secure accommodation."
The boy confirmed he understood what she had said.
Three other boys, aged between 13 and 15, have been questioned on suspicion of Ava's murder.
They have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
On Sunday night Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said: “ We’re continuing to support Ava’s family, and they have requested that their privacy continues to be respected at this difficult time.
“It’s also vitally important as we continue the investigation that nobody posts comments or names on social media which could potentially impact upon us getting justice for Ava’s family.
"Please trust us that we are doing all we can to investigate and update people on this tragic incident, and we do not want anything to jeopardise this."
Detectives have urged anyone with footage or images that could help the police investigation to send them to the force through this link.
Information can also be submitted by calling the force on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online here.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
