MOURNERS at the funeral of York murder victim Daniel Wall were told his violent death had changed the family forever.

His grieving mother, Rosie, wore a Liverpool football shirt and scarf because Danny was an avid fan of the club. She paid homage to her only son, saying she did not know how they would cope with the "terrible heartache".

A moving tribute by Mrs Wall, who was accompanied by her husband, Jeff, was read out at the funeral service at York Crematorium by Rev Peter Horsley, curate of St Stephen's Church, in Acomb, York.

"Our family chain is broken, one link gone forever," it read.

"I just want everyone to understand that people are not just drug addicts, they are part of our community and are human beings that need respect too."

Mrs Wall said they stood by Daniel when he got involved in drugs and ended up in prison - but did not condone what he did.

She said he visited his father practically every day when he suffered a heart attack last year and was "always there for us if we needed him".

"We are still very respectful of our only son and brother, Daniel," she wrote. "See you in heaven, Danno."

Two of Daniel's favourite songs - Sail Away by David Gray and Lost In Thought by Pink Floyd - were played during the service, along with the track after which he was named - Daniel by Elton John.

Several mourners wore football shirts to the funeral and a floral wreath spelled out the nickname Danno. Donations were made to the Take Heart Foundation at Leeds General Infirmary.

Mrs Wall, who said the family had been overwhelmed by messages of support, also paid tribute to Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, who has led the murder inquiry, and to the organisation Victim Support.

"Nobody knows what it feels like until they've lost a son," she told the Evening Press.

"It doesn't matter how old they are, they're still your children."

Asked what her favourite memory of Daniel was, she said: "Him walking in the house and putting his head round the room and door and saying 'who wants a cup of tea?' - that is what I miss."

The body of Daniel, 27, from Chapelfields, who also leaves two sisters, Nicola and Rebecca, was found with that of Kevin Mulgrew, 38, in a first-floor council-owned flat in Gillygate, by police officers responding to a complaint by neighbours.

Bedsit tenant John Paul Marshall, 42, who police want to interview in connection with the deaths, is being held by police in Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.

Mr Mulgrew's funeral was taking place at York Crematorium today.

The Evening Press attended yesterday's service for Daniel at the family's invitation.

Updated: 10:36 Tuesday, February 24, 2004