Mourners gather in Haverhill for funeral of 'sensitive, gentle and caring' teenager Harley Barfield

The sense of loss was overwhelming as townspeople turned out to say a final farewell to one of their own; a boy who should have had his whole life ahead of him.

Harley Barfield was stabbed in a car park next to Strasbourg Square in Haverhill on January 9. He died two days later at the Royal Papworth Hospital.

The 16-year-old’s funeral service was held today at St Mary’s Church as more than 100 mourners lined the High Street as the hearse arrived.

They then moved to Market Square, where the service was broadcast over speakers, to the sound of Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish followed by My G by Aitch featuring Ed Sheeran

One mourner said: “We didn’t know him personally but we were shocked by what had happened in this small town.

“My granddaughter knew Harley - not a best-friend but friends of friends. They went to the same school. We just came today because we felt we had to. It’s nice to pay your respects. That’s all it is. It’s just a community thing, isn’t it?”

She added: “I think being here will lift everyone. A good send-off.”

Another, who was with his 10-year-old son, said they didn’t know Harley, but had read about it in the paper.

“We just think it’s really sad. So young.”

The service was conducted by Reverend Max Drinkwater, who read a tribute from Harley’s family.

They said: “Harley was a sensitive boy and loved animals and babies. He was gentle with those around him

“He enjoyed playing practical jokes and his dad Darryl encouraged this.

“He was extremely caring to all his friends and very protective. He would often walk his friends and girlfriend to and from school making sure no one was ever alone.

“Harley was always very protective of his mum and wouldn’t rest without knowing she was OK.

“He loved to do different accents and you wouldn’t get a straight answer to a question.

“Harley liked to go into the pub where his mum worked to play pool and have a coke but it was clear the main reason he went in there was to ask his grandad Rod for the keys to his mobility scooter so he could ride it around the Market Square.

“Grandad Rod passed away over the weekend so they are resting together. Harley loved gaming and rapping so the house was never quiet. Harley didn’t like school very much, he wanted to get out into the world of work and decided to go into the trade of construction.”

Mr Drinkwater said: “Harley will never be forgotten as he had made such an impact on everyone here today in this short time we had with him.”

The tribute also said Harley didn’t give up on anything and had a golden heart.

A number of poems were read by family members.

The poem read by his dad Darryl spoke of the pain of his treasured son passing before him.

Harley’s sister Destiny read You Never Said I’m Leaving on behalf of her mum and his brother Jack read His Journey’s Just Begun.

A visual tribute followed while listening to When I See You Again by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth (Harrison’s song).

After the Bible reading, prayers and final blessing, Yellow by Coldplay played.

As the funeral service came to a close, some young people embraced in the square.

A private committal took place at Haverhill Cemetery. The family asked for donations to be made to the Royal Papworth Hospital or East Anglian Air Ambulance.

• A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder over Harley’s death.