Burial for massacred family

The Mochries at Catherine's graduation

Former Welsh rugby international Terry Holmes paid an emotional farewell to his family who were found beaten to death at their south Wales home.

More than 400 friends, family and neighbours were at the funeral of Catherine Mochrie and her four children at St Helen's Church in Barry.

All five were murdered by father Robert Mochrie, who then hanged himself in their five-bedroom detached home.

Mrs Mochrie, 45, was the elder sister of former British Lions and Wales star Holmes, 43, who led the mourners.

Their family had decided that Mrs Mochrie and her children would be buried together.

Sian attended a local comprehensive school

But Mr Mochrie will be cremated on his own in a separate location.

Holmes led the mourners in the crowded church service during farewells to the family.

Police are still investigating the mystery of what turned "devoted and caring" father Mochrie, 49, into a killer.

He battered his wife and four children - James, 18, Sian, 16, Luke, 14 and Bethan, 10 - in their beds before hanging himself.

Mrs Mochrie's best friend Debbie Zeraschi told the congregation: "There doesn't seem to be any words to explain the beauty of Cath.

Our investigations into the deaths are still continuing

Det Chief Insp Graham Anthony, South Wales Police

"She was a peace-maker who hated arguing.

"She had very strong principles and always fought for the right cause."

Parish priest Father Patrick O'Gorman described the events that took place as "sheer madness" and referred to the speculation as to what had happened.

"Without minimising the magnitude of the event it is recognised that for over 20 years Robert Mochrie was a loving husband and for over 18 years a caring father," he said.

The family were regular church-goers and 11 priests were at the service.

Jan Casault leaves flowers at the Mochrie's home

The five coffins were carried from the church by family and friends to a cemetery.

Police investigating the six deaths were among the mourners.

The last sightings of the family was on 19 July, four days before the bodies were discovered.

Police found the massacre after forcing their way into the house following concerns from neighbours and family friends.

Det Chief Insp Graham Anthony said: "Our investigations into the deaths are still continuing and we are still exploring various avenues."

Police are continuing to look into Mr Mochrie's financial affairs.

He bought a 20-bedroom hotel in Pembrokeshire but it was hit with a fire last year and he had been trying to sell it.