Dr Kelly buried

Wednesday, 6 August 2003 12:00 AM

Dr David Kelly has been buried today at a church overlooking the woodland in which he died.

His wife Janice, 58, and daughters Sian, 32, and twins Ellen and Rachel, 30, led around 160 mourners at the service in 13th century St Mary's Church at Longworth, near Faringdon in Oxfordshire.

Senior judge Lord Hutton, who is to conduct an inquiry into Dr Kelly's death, and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, attended the service.

Dr Kelly apparently committed suicide after becoming embroiled in a row between the BBC and the government over allegations that Iraqi weapons intelligence was doctored in the run up to war.

Mr Prescott appeared on behalf of the government, as both the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and defence secretary Geoff Hoon are on holiday.

The private service began shortly after 1400 BST this afternoon, as a hearse arrived bearing a coffin topped with white roses and lilies.

The 59-year-old weapons expert was found on July 18 on Harrowdown Hill, Longworth with a slashed wrist.

A police cordon was erected today in Longworth and Southmoor to keep the media away.

Well wishers laid around 40 wreaths to the right of the pathway near the church gate and villagers who were not invited to the funeral stood outside the church porch holding order of service sheets. The church flew the union flag at half-mast.

Ahead of the service, Rev Roy Woodhams, told the BBC: "Dr Kelly's wife and daughters have had an awful lot of media attention in the past few weeks and there will be more with Lord Hutton's inquiry.

"I think they just wanted to keep this one occasion private and for themselves."

The service featured readings and prayers from the Baha'i religion, which Dr Kelly converted to four years ago.

The faith boasts around five million followers worldwide.

After the funeral Dr Kelly was buried in the churchyard.

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