Hundreds of mourners have paid their last respects to a man who was stabbed to death in a Bexley gym at his funeral.

Crowds gathered outside the St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Farningham village for the funeral of George Barker at 2pm, who died from knife wounds at the Double K Gym in Stable Lane in Bexley Village on November 14.

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The 24-year-old’s partner had given birth to their baby daughter just five days before he was killed.

Mr Barker’s mother, partner and daughter followed the procession, led by a horse-drawn carriage, which carried his gold coffin through the High Street to the church.

Dozens of mourners had to listen to the service through speakers in the churchyard after the church became packed with grieving friends and relatives.

Tearful friends paid tribute to the “most loyal friend you could ask for” during the service, which was adorned with hundreds of wreaths, including one of a Rolex watch.

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Mr Barker's mother Julie is embraced by Reverend Dorothy McGarvey outside the church

One friend, who struggled to hold back tears, said: "When I first started to think about speaking today I couldn't get my head around anything.

“Then I started to think about things and life, and that brought me back to George.

"I'm sure we could all say George was fun and could put a smile on your face. He was the most loyal friend you could ask for. He had a heart of gold.

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"He always told you exactly what he thought. He was always having a banter and having a laugh. George was a powerful geezer.

"I'm sure he's looking down on us. We all want justice but we have to remember the good times.

"George, you're the best mate ever. Life will never be the same without you. I miss you and I love you."

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Friends carried the gold coffin into the church

Another said: "I know you'll be looking down on all of us with that bright, bright smile of yours.

“On that note, I'll say goodnight, but not goodbye as we'll meet you soon one day with that pearly smile.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed today that no arrests have been made and that officers are still hunting five suspects who they believe were waiting in the gym before Mr Barker arrived.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3985, a police non-emergency on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.