THE funeral of Alice Gross is taking place in Hanwell this morning.
A procession of four hearses passed the flower-laden Clocktower at around 9am, with the coffin of Alice leading, decorated with yellow and red flowers, followed by a car containing parents Jose Gross and Rosalind Hodgkiss.
A small crowd of around 40 had come out to say their final goodbyes to the schoolgirl whose murder has rocked the Hanwell community.
Mother-of-three Marion McCarthy, 39, who lives a three minute walk from the Gross family, said: “As a parent, losing your child is the worst thing that can happen.”
Ewa Jankowska, 40, said the loss of a child was especially scary for her as a mother.
She said: “I don’t know if you can find the words. As a parent, it is the end of your world.”
The crowds began to gather before 9 and candles spelling the words “We love you Alice” were lit in remembrance of the schoolgirl, who was last seen on August 28.
Marion McCarthy added: “The sense of a community coming together has been touching. The lights and the candles are beautiful.”
In accordance with the family’s wishes, the location of the funeral service will not be made public.
A family statement is expected at around 11am.
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