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Coronavirus: Family unable to attend 13-year-old boy's funeral

PA Media A mourner watches as the coffin is lowered into the ground during the funeral in the Eternal Gardens Muslim Burial Ground, Chislehurst of Ismail Mohamed AbdulwahabPA Media
The funeral took place at the Eternal Gardens Muslim Burial Ground

The family of a teenager who died after testing positive for coronavirus could not attend his funeral after two of his siblings began displaying symptoms.

Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, from Brixton, south London, died in King's College Hospital on Monday.

He was buried in Chislehurst on Friday but his mother and six siblings are being forced to self-isolate.

A friend of the family said they were "devastated" not to attend but a live stream was being arranged for them.

Mark Stephenson, who delivered a short speech for the family at the service, said Ismail's younger brother and older sister had both developed mild symptoms including a temperature and loss of taste.

"It's extremely upsetting for everyone involved, but they have been very moved by the warmth and very positive messages of support from people following their appeal," he said.

PA Media A prayer is said at the funeral in Chislehurst of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, from Brixton, south London,PA Media
A prayer is said at the funeral of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab

Ismail, who had no apparent underlying health conditions, had tested positive for Covid-19 a day after he was admitted to hospital on 26 March.

It is understood he died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

He was described by his family as a "gentle and kind" boy with a "heart-warming" smile.

They also called on people "to listen to government guidance" and "ensure that we adhere to social distancing".

More than £67,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe appeal set up by Mr Stephenson for the family.

PA Media Burial groundPA Media
It is understood Ismail died of a cardiac arrest
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