Among those present were Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, and other leading Spanish politicians as well as senior members of the armed forces.

Moments later, mass was said for the 42-year-old father of two who was killed when a nearby car blew up.

At Saturday's ceremony, the dead officer's wife, Maria Concepcion Martin, was presented with a military medal, while tributes came in from those who knew him.

His 16-year-old daughter, 11-year-old son and relatives were also present.

Public condemnation

The attack, which also injured several civilians - including a 14-year-old girl - has been condemned by tens of thousands of Spaniards, who took to the streets in cities throughout the country to voice their protest and call for peace.

Click here for a map of the bomb scene

The demonstrations took place in Madrid, the Basque cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao and in several other major cities.

Further demonstrations are planned over the next few days, with the largest due to take place in Madrid on Sunday.

Prime Minister Aznar has reiterated his tough stance toward ETA, saying that the separatist organisation is wrong ant that violence will not be allowed to prevail.

ETA has not admitted causing the explosion but has been blamed for it by politicians, the police and the public.

The group announced last month that it was ending a 14-month ceasefire. The government had expressed concern about a possible attack in the run-up to the general election on 12 March.

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