DISTRAUGHT Wiveliscombe father Steven Hamar was joined by more than 300 mourners at the twin funeral service of his daughter and former wife last Friday (September 27).

As the coffins of six-year-old Tori, and her mother, Kaeren, were carried into St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe, the Rev Graham Owen could shed no light on the question which hung in the air: Why? In a touching address, he said: "There are so many questions in the air today, which hang so heavy in our hearts and come together as one, in one small word: why?

"Why did it happen, why wasn't I able to do something to stop it, why has this happened to our family, our community, our little cul-de-sac, why would anyone want to murder two such beautiful people? Why, why, why? I don't know why. I wish I did."

During the 45minute service, prayers and hymns were entwined with readings, one of Tori's favourite poems 'In The Pet Shop', and her favourite pop song, 'Eternal Flame' by Atomic Kitten.

Mr Owen urged the gathering to cast their minds back to happier days, and spoke of Tori's christening which he conducted at Chipstable six years earlier.

"Little Tori, whose life was only just beginning. Who will ever forget that truly amazing set of blonde bubbles? Her loss is impossible to bear.

"And Kaeren, that larger-than-life, restless human being. So many interests, so impulsive. A lovely, outgoing bundle of fun, whom you couldn't help liking.

"So, sad and hurting though we may be, still we can celebrate the beauty and lives of Kaeren and Tori."

As the two coffins, Tori's small and white, both covered in flowers, were taken into the churchyard, mourners followed on as the sound of David Gray's 'Sail Away' filled the church.

Kaeren and Tori were killed in the quite cul-de-sac of Broadoak, Horton, by Kaeren's spurned lover, Peter O'Hare, who also took his own life, on Tuesday, September 17.