Bristol child deaths: Funeral held for three 'joyous' children

Hundreds of people have gathered for the funeral of three young "unique and special" children found dead in Bristol.

The bodies of nine-month-old Mohammed Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and seven-year-old Fares Bash were discovered in Sea Mills on 18 February.

A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

A funeral prayer was said earlier at the Shah Jalal Mosque in Eastville.

The burials then took place at Meadows of Peace in Alveston near Thornbury, where around 400 people gathered to hear tributes paid to the three children.

Sian Randall, headteacher at Sea Mills Primary School, where the two eldest children were pupils, said: "There are no words that display the depth of sorrow.

"Each of them was a unique and special gift, leaving an indelible mark on all of us.

"Fares was a ray of sunshine, with a mischievous smile and ray of spirit that touched everyone he encountered. He was always there to help the staff.

"Joury was a beacon of pure joy, her smile would light up a whole room.

"Mohammed's brother and sister clearly doted on him, Fares would tell warm stories about him.

"We will miss them dearly, they were integral to us. Their absence will always be felt."

Ahmed Abdelaal, acting as spokesperson for the family, said: "Our hearts are still heavy with the shock over the children's death.

"Since the devastating incident we find ourselves fighting with unanswered questions around the circumstances of the tragedy.

"We still don't know the reason behind this tragedy, and the factors contributing to it."

Mr Abdelaal added the family are still looking for answers.

"It's a tragedy that has hit the entire community," he said.

The funeral crowd was so large that some people had to pray in the street outside the mosque.

On 23 February a large vigil was held by the community in Sea Mills, and attended by hundreds of people.

A minute's silence was observed and flowers were laid.

The three children died from knife wounds and an investigation into their deaths is on going, Avon and Somerset Police said.

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