Hundreds of mourners gathered today for the funeral of Chris Brown, the 29-year-old karate instructor shot dead by Raoul Moat in Birtley, Gateshead, on 3 July. The service was held at Slough Crematorium in Berkshire, where attendees were asked to wear bright colours at the family's request.
Brown's mother, Sally Brown, and sister, Becky Njie, were among those paying tribute. The 35-minute service was relayed on speakers outside the chapel for those unable to fit inside, after which friends and relatives laid flowers in the garden of remembrance.
Brown's girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart, was also injured in the attack. She had told Moat, her former partner, that she was dating a police officer. Moat later shot police officer David Rathband, leaving him blind, before sparking one of Britain's biggest manhunts. He fatally shot himself on 10 July after a six-hour standoff with Northumbria police.
Brown's family has criticised police for not warning him that his life could be in danger following Moat's release from prison.
