THE son of a Co Tyrone man murdered in London has spoken at his funeral of how it "broke my heart to lose you, Dad".
Edward Stokes (29), who was originally from Coalisland, was killed during a "large-scale fight" at a pub in Newham last month.
A horse-drawn carriage bearing his coffin was brought to the Church of the Holy Family in the Co Tyrone town.
Hundreds of people followed the cortège, which also included a blue Transit van, as it made its way to the church.
Many people wore t-shirts with a picture of the father-of-one emblazoned on them and the nickname 'Butch' and the words 'rest in peace' written on the back of the clothing.
Two large picture frames with a collage of photographs of Mr Stokes with family and friends were placed on the altar just before Requiem Mass began yesterday.
Fr Eugene O'Neill told mourners that Mr Stokes, a member of the Travelling community, had died "so sadly and horrifically".
He was killed during a fight at `The Army and Navy' pub in New Barn Street in east London on March 19.
Three people were also treated for stab wounds following the altercation.
Mr Stokes, who is survived by his wife Mary-Ellen and son John-Paul, is thought to have moved to London around four years ago.
A short poem was read on behalf of his son at the end of the service yesterday, in which he described his pain at losing his father.
"It broke my heart to lose you Dad...your love is still my guide," he wrote.
He added: "I love you Daddy dearly".
Fr O'Neill told mourners that there was "a sense of sadness that we gather here today to say good-bye to Edward Stokes".
He said to "those who had known and loved Edward, he was a true gift of God in their lives".
But the priest said Mr Stokes had "died so sadly and horrifically".
He told mourners to "think of the example Edward gave to you... and try to promise to that for Mary Ellen and John Paul".
"You as a community are so good to each other, you as a community are so supportive of each other," he said.
"Say farewell to him with pride and with love."
One man has been charged with the murder of Mr Stokes as well as three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and is due before the Old Bailey in London in June.
A further 10 people were arrested and released on bail.
The Metropolitan Police have said they are still investigating "what instigated the fight resulting in the death of Edward".
