In pictures: Pim Fortuyn mourned

Thousands have flocked to pay their last respects to Holland's controversial politician Pim Fortuyn, whose body has been lying in state in Rotterdam Cathedral.

Many queued for five hours for the chance to file past his open coffin, and mourners said the atmosphere inside the church was heavily charged with emotion.

By early afternoon, the crowd was so large that the cathedral opened its doors half-an-hour early to ease congestion

Silence in the cathedral was broken only by sobbing and the occasional gasp of disbelief

Players of the Feyenoord team observed a moment of silence before the Uefa Cup Final in Rotterdam

Fortuyn's body will be carried in procession through Rotterdam on Friday, then back to the cathedral

Canvassing for the 15 May election will be suspended for the day as a mark of respect for the dead politician