The Court of Appeal has ruled that doctors can lawfully turn off the life support of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee. 

The family - who were all baptised shortly after his accident - were attempting to overturn the verdict of two High Court cases. 

Previously, both judges had ruled that Archie was legally dead, and that life support should be removed. 

The 12-year-old has been described as being "obsessed" with the idea of getting christened. He was baptised on Easter Sunday, whilst in an induced coma. 

His mother, brother and sister followed suit the following day. 

Since then, they have been forthright in their beliefs, saying only God has the right to give or take life. 

Archie's mother, Hollie Dance, said she would not accept the death of her son until it was God's timing. 

She said: "Until it's God's way I won't accept he should go. I know of miracles when people have come back from being brain dead."

If Archie's case cannot be overturned, it is likely that the 12-year-old will experience a so-called 'planned death' his mother is devastated at the thought:

"I am going to stay with Archie in hospital for as long as it takes.

"The doctors predict that in a near future, Archie will have a multiple organ failure which will lead to cardiac arrest. 

"If that happens, I am likely to be in the room. 

"I find that scenario much more acceptable than the 'planned death' which they propose.

"I would accept this as God's decision. 

"The 'planned' removal of the ventilator is definitely the worst thing that may happen from my point of view.

"I cannot see how this is in any way dignified."

During their second appeal, barrister Edward Devereux QC, who is leading Archie's parents' legal team, told judges that the youngster's religious beliefs had 'not been given the proper weight.'

Ahead of the verdict this morning Archie's father, Paul Battersbee, was rushed to hospital. It is believed judges were told he's suffered a heart attack or a stroke.