The cortege left the home of Anjanette Rossi and her 9-year-old daughter Louella Main in Caunter Road, before moving along Northbrook Street, past Louella’s classmates from Speenhamland School, who had turned out to pay their respects.

At St George’s Church in Andover Road, a family service was held, with civic dignitaries representing various local organizations.

After the service, the family, including partner David Main, and Louella’s 7-year-old brother Toby, issued a statement, saying: “As a family we will never be able to fully express the magnitude of the loss we have suffered.

”At this time it feels as if the sun will never shine again and two truly beautiful people can no longer grace the world with their presence, love and happiness.

”We would like to thank our friends and family who have given us words of comfort and support.

”We would also like to thank the emergency services for their efforts, care and professionalism, especially Wendy Richardson and Shaun Adams of Thames Valley Police, for their compassion, help and understanding at this terrible time.

”We now have the task of trying to rebuild our shattered lives and request that the media leave the family to try and seek some peace.”