ALICE GROSS’ family have released a statement following the funeral service in Hanwell this morning.

The funeral was a humanist ceremony, featuring some of Alice’s music as well as tributes from teachers, her parents and her sister Nina.

Alice’s coffin was decorated with pictures of her cats, Lottie, Louie and Pattie and her dog Peggie, and was painted by Nina, Alice’s grandmother, Anne Hodgkiss and family friend, Carole McCourt.

The Gross family said: “We have been devastated by the appalling circumstances of Alice's death. Alice was so spirited, so present, so vital and so full of promise.

"We find it almost impossible to understand what has happened and that we have to say goodbye to her.

“We wanted Alice's funeral to focus on the joy of Alice's life and the joy of having known her.”

The family paid tribute to the local community for its support.

They said: “We have been moved by the depth of sympathy and compassion around us, not only from close family and friends but also from the local community.”

The humanist ceremony was conducted by Caroline Black, of the British Humanist Association.

Mourners sang You Are My Sunshine while other musical tributes included Home by Gabrielle Aplin, The Call by Regina Spektor and the violin piece Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar.

People wishing to pay their respects are invited to a memorial ceremony at Greenford Town Hall on November 1.

This will be an opportunity for Alice’s family to thank the community for its support.

Alice was a talented musician and her family have set up a donation page with the National Foundation for Youth Music, calling it a fitting tribute to their daughter who loved the medium.

A spokesperson for the charity, who support disadvantaged children getting into music, said: "Youth Music is honoured and grateful that Alice's family has chosen the charity as the beneficiary of their online tribute in memory of Alice.”

To make a donation in Alice’s memory to Youth music visit: http://alice.poppymadeleine.gross.muchloved.com/