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Funeral plea over killer of boy Thousands attend Jessie funeral
(about 4 hours later)
Police in Manchester hope the funeral of murdered teenager Jessie James will persuade people to come forward with information leading them to his killer. Thousands of mourners have gathered in Manchester for the funeral of murdered teenager Jessie James.
Up to 2,000 people are expected to gather at Broadfield Park, near the scene of the shooting, for a "life celebration service". The 15-year-old's white coffin, laid in a horse drawn carriage, was led by a lone piper to a marquee in Broadfield Park, Moss Side.
Detectives say they need the Moss Side community to "pull together" to help find the killer of the 15-year-old. Family, friends and other mourners were inside for the "life celebration service", held just yards from where he was shot dead in September.
Several witnesses to the murder on 9 September have yet to come forward. Police hope the service will encourage the community to help find his killer.
They include three teenage girls who were stood near the West Indian Sports and Social Club at the time of the killing on Raby Street, in the early hours of 9 September. The coffin was carried into the marquee by six of Jessie's friends and was followed by his mother, Barbara Reid, 47, and sister Rosemary, 28.
Hundreds of Jessie's school friends at Manchester Academy, many in school uniform, and some wearing "RIP Jessie" T-shirts filed in to hear tributes and a eulogy from Mrs Reid.
Help us catch Jessie's killers and put an end to this madness Det Supt Tony CookGreater Manchester PoliceHelp us catch Jessie's killers and put an end to this madness Det Supt Tony CookGreater Manchester Police
Jessie, a pupil at the Manchester Academy, was shot three times. The service was led by the local Seventh Day Adventist Church pastor, Michael Simpson.
On Tuesday, Jessie's mother Barbara Reid, 47, and sister Rosemary, 28, will lead mourners in a marquee yards from where he was killed. Addressing the assembled crowd Mr Simpson said: "It's a time to remember that we live in a very volatile community."
The service will be led by the local Seventh Day Adventist Church pastor, Michael Simpson. Referring to Jessie, he said: "We don't want to forget you because your pain is still there."
It will include tributes from Jessie's friends and family and a eulogy read by his mother, in addition to hymns, a selection of Jessie's favourite CDs will be played.
'Respectful' teenager
Later, his coffin will be taken by horse-drawn carriage to Manchester's Southern Cemetery for burial, led by 15 of Jessie's friends on mountain bikes.Later, his coffin will be taken by horse-drawn carriage to Manchester's Southern Cemetery for burial, led by 15 of Jessie's friends on mountain bikes.
A further short ceremony will be conducted by Pastor Simpson at Jessie's graveside.A further short ceremony will be conducted by Pastor Simpson at Jessie's graveside.
Witness appeal
Jessie, a pupil at the Manchester Academy, was shot three times with a semi-automatic handgun on Raby Street on 9 September.
Several witnesses to the murder have yet to come forward, including three teenage girls who were stood near the West Indian Sports and Social Club at the time of the killing.
Jessie, of Greame Street, Moss Side, was a popular youngster described as "respectful and polite".Jessie, of Greame Street, Moss Side, was a popular youngster described as "respectful and polite".
Detectives said he had nothing to do with gang culture and was simply in the "wrong place at the wrong time".Detectives said he had nothing to do with gang culture and was simply in the "wrong place at the wrong time".
Det Supt Tony Cook, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Someone supplied the gun and bullets, someone heard the offenders talking; someone saw them go into the park or leave. Det Supt Tony Cook, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "If you're covering for a murderer, ask yourself how you'll feel when another young victim gets shot and killed.
"Someone saw or heard the killers when they came back discussing what they'd done; someone even knows where the gun is. "Help us catch Jessie's killer and put an end to this madness."
"If you're covering for a murderer, ask yourself how you'll feel when another young victim gets shot and killed. Help us catch Jessie's killer and put an end to this madness."