THOUSANDS of people said an emotional farewell to a father-of-seven at his funeral yesterday.

Family and friends paid their last respects to Mohammed Shafiq who was killed in Thompson Park, Burnley, earlier this month.

Hundreds of men and woman said tearful goodbyes outside the family home in York Street, Nelson, this morning before a prayer service at Ghosir Mosque, Every Street, and the burial at Walton Lane Cemetery.

Around two thousand people attended the mosque service.

Many members of Mr Shafiq's family were inconsolable at the house and daughters Kawal Shafiq, 19, and Komal Shafiq, 16, broke down as the hearse left for the mosque.

The pair had to be pulled away from the vehicle as it tried to leave by friends and family.

Mr Shafiq, 50, was attacked in Thompson Park on March 4.

He was stabbed and hit over the head with a blunt instrument. He died in hospital that night.

Family friend Shokat Malik, who spoke on behalf of the family, said: "He was a loving father and a wonderful man.

"This is a sad day for the family and the community, everyone is shocked and the family is devastated that this has happened.

"He was a kind man, a caring person, a loving father.

"His children have lost their father and we have lost a well respect member of the community.

"Allah decided it was his time to go but that doesn't excuse anything.

"They are a peaceful family and the family will draw strength from one another to carry on.

"They know nothing will bring their father back but they are looking for justice."

Before the funeral at the mosque, mats were rolled out outside where hundreds more read Friday prayers and the funeral prayers for Mr Shafiq.

His coffin was then taken from the mosque to Walton Lane Cemetery in Nelson where he was buried.

Mohammed Shafiq leaves two daughters Afshaa Shafiq, 30, and Zeenat Shafiq, 29, from his first marriage and his wife from second marriage Shagufta Shafiq, 38.

They have five children Kawal Shafiq, 19, Umar Shafiq, 18, Komal Shafiq, 16, Usman Raza, 15, and Adil Shafiq who is 15.

Four men have been charged in connection with the murder of Mr Shafiq.

Mohammad Bilal Baktti, 20, of Holcombe Drive, and a 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons were remanded in custody after being charged with murder at Burnley Magistrates Court last week.

Both have also been accused of violent disorder in connection with the death of Mr Shafiq, of York Street, Nelson.

Omar Khalid of Fairfield Drive, Burnley, and Mohammed Shahdab Akhtar of Scott Park Road, Burnley, both 19, have been charged with violent disorder.