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.