HUNDREDS of mourners have paid their respects to a nine-year-old boy who was killed in a fire at a house.
Family and friends of Evan Mohammed said farewell to the youngster yesterday after his death in a blaze at his Kilmarnock home on December 27.
Many were moved to tears as the schoolboy's body was brought into the town's Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to the sound of his favourite band, Aerosmith.
A friend who helped to organise the funeral said Evan's mother Sheree McGill – who escaped the fire along with her boyfriend and three daughters – was deeply upset but "comforted" by the large turnout at the service.
The family friend, who did not want to be named, said: "There were several hundred people at the service and the church was absolutely packed.
"Sheree found it comforting that so many people turned up, she didn't expect such a big turnout.
"I think she found the whole service comforting, I spoke to her afterwards and she said that she was very touched by the kindness she has been shown by the local community.
"The family were upset, but they didn't fall to pieces or anything."
The family friend spoke of the music at the service and said: "There were selected songs played that meant something to Evan and the family. Aerosmith are one of Evan's favourite bands and we listened to one of their tracks as his body was brought into the church.
"Then, as he left, the song Seasons In The Sun was played. The songs really fitted the mood and touched a lot of people at the service.
"The theme of a lot of people when a child dies is what a waste it is, but with Evan it was touching to hear everybody speaking about how much joy and warmth he brought into their lives.
"His life certainly wasn't a waste."
Due to Evan's mixed-faith background, a Christian service was led in the church by Father Stephen Latham, while Muslim prayers were led at the graveside.
The friend added: "Because his father's a Muslim, the Muslim community were also involved in the service and one of the imams led prayers at the grave.
"Sheree was keen that they lead prayers at the graveside, but she didn't want them to do so in the church, she wanted that to be a proper Christian service."
Following the service, numerous floral tributes were placed at the graveside, including one from the youngster's grandparents.
The card read: "Thank you for all the happy memories Evan –and just for being you.
"We love you and miss you very much. All our love from Gran and Papa"
Many local residents yesterday posted messages of support for the family on social networking site Facebook.
One wrote: "RIP little man. I cannot even imagine what your mum and family are going through today and hope the love and heartfelt warmth from the whole of Scotland can be of some comfort. May you play in the stars and be happy."
Another posted: "My thoughts are with Sheree and all the family as they lay wee Evan in his final resting place.
"Hope you rest in peace wee man, gone too soon but never forgotten."
The local community has been rallying round Ms McGill, 34, since the fire ripped through the family home.
A campaign has been launched on Facebook to help raise funds and gather donations of clothing, toys and furniture for the mother and her family.
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