Funeral of child found in river

Scores of mourners attended the funeral of Baby Lilly

Mourners have gathered for the funeral of a baby girl whose body was found in a Warwickshire river.

The mother of Lilly, who was discovered in the River Alne near Stratford, has never been traced.

The child, named after the flowers in the river, had suffered a fractured skull and collarbone.

The Rev David Capron who led the service at St Mary Magdalen Church in the village said Lilly was a member of their community for a short time.

He said in his address: "Found in the waters of the River Alne, she will rest with those who have trod the footpaths and ferried themselves over the rivers of this community over the years.

"She will do so because, even for the shortest period of time possible, she was a member of this community. It is our privilege today to lay her to rest.

'Dignity and respect' for Lilly

"Whatever may happen or be discovered in the future, she will forever be one of us. May she rest in peace."

Members of the congregation were then asked to stretch out their hands to send "love, light and peace" to the child.

The body of baby Lilly was later buried in a private funeral in the adjoining graveyard.

It was attended by officers from the Warwickshire Police Force, which is investigating her death.

Det Insp Debra Tedds said: "You can't help but be touched by a tragedy like this.

"We are pleased we have now been able to give her a dignified and respectful funeral and lay her to rest.

"We have always been optimistic that we'll find out what happened to Lilly and why she ended up where she did."