Parents' legal fight to save their terminally-ill baby has come to an end.

A High Court judge was preparing to oversee the latest round of a five-month battle when Chris Gard and Connie Yates announced their decision.

Mr Justice Francis had been scheduled to analyse what the couple said was fresh evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

A lawyer representing Charlie's parents told Mr Justice Francis that "time had run out" and "this case is now about time," said their barrister Grant Armstrong, adding: "Sadly time has run out."

Mr Armstrong said Charlie's parents had made a decision following the latest medical reports and scans which indicated that damage to Charlie's muscle and tissue was irreversible.

"The parents' worst fears have been confirmed," the barrister said

"It is now too late to treat Charlie."

The couple felt that continuing their fight would cause Charlie pain, said Mr Armstrong who added that the case was "worthy of a Greek tragedy".

Mr Armstrong said Charlie's parents hoped to set up a foundation and that they wanted lessons to be learned.

"Dark days lie ahead for these parents," said Mr Armstrong.

"The parents wish to treasure their remaining time with Charlie, however short that may be."

Mr Justice Francis paid tribute to Charlie's parents and said no-one could comprehend their agony.

The judge said the couple now had to face reality and praised Great Ormond Street medics who had worked "tirelessly" and that it was a "disgrace" that staff had been subjected to abuse and threats.