Final farewell for murdered model

Miss Bowman may have been targeted by a serial rapist

The funeral of murdered teenage model Sally Anne Bowman, killed near her home six weeks ago, has taken place.

Reverend Stephen Coe told mourners: "A bright star in ascendance has been extinguished by one man's evil intent."

He told the service at the Croydon Crematorium in south London the teenager "wanted to go sky high and be the next Kate Moss".

Miss Bowman, 18, was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death on 25 September on her way home from a night out.

Her killer has not been caught.

The service included readings and some of her favourite music.

Sky high

The service was broadcast to the public on loudspeakers outside the crematorium.

As her body was taken into the chapel, a recording was played of one of Miss Bowman's favourite songs, Michael Ball's "I Dream The Dream".

One man's violence and evil intent has shattered many lives. As we gather today, we pray that justice will be done Reverend Stephen Coe

Rev Coe, who led the service, said: "A bright star in ascendance has been extinguished in a way that has left many shocked and bemused."

"One man's violence and evil intent has shattered many lives. As we gather today, we pray that justice will be done."

Miss Bowman's father Paul, eldest sister Danielle and her best friend Sophie McSorley gave readings at the service.

The family asked that, rather than sending flowers, people make donations to the NSPCC and breast cancer research, a cause which was strongly supported by Miss Bowman.

Police believe Miss Bowman may have been targeted by a serial rapist, after linking DNA evidence to that of an unsolved sex attack in nearby Purley in 2001.

The Metropolitan Police and The Sun newspaper have offered a joint reward of £40,000 for information leading to a conviction.