Funeral for Crete horror plunge boy

11.28, Tue Aug 29 2006

A little boy who died when his father jumped with him and his sister from a hotel balcony in Crete has been laid to rest.

Liam Hogan died in his father's arms after all three plunged to the ground as his father apparently tried to commit suicide. Two-year-old Mia escaped with a broken arm in the August 15 tragedy.

John Hogan is still in hospital in Crete and is said to be unaware of the funeral. He faces being charged with the murder of his son and the attempted murder of his daughter and is expected to appear in court on the Greek island tomorrow.

Liam's body was carried in a small white coffin, covered in white roses and sunflowers, to the service at the Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, just a short distance from the family home.

Liam's mother Natasha, 34, from Bradley Stoke, Bristol, released a statement ahead of the service saying her son was "loved by all".

The statement read: "Liam was a young boy gaining confidence every day with a bright happy character. He loved, and was loved by, all of his family.

"Liam was very close to his sister Mia and they would regularly have morning hugs on the sofa. Mia will miss her big brother. I will always remember Liam as a happy little chap."

Hogan and his wife were on a two-week holiday with their children in Lerapetra, a popular resort, when the tragedy happened.