THE three-year-old son of murdered York policewoman Heather Cooper told her friends and family “Mummy is in heaven”, at her emotional Minster funeral.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of Miss Cooper, 33, who was described as a “supermum”, devoted to her children, Joshua, three, and Isobelle, three months.

The Reverend Canon Glyn Webster repeated what Joshua said to the packed congregation and said: “That is our confidence. That is our certainty. Thank you, Joshua, you have preached the best sermon.”

Miss Cooper, who grew up in Acomb, was found murdered in woodland in West Sussex last month, near to where she lived and worked as a detective constable for Surrey Police. She had apparently been beaten to the head and stabbed in the throat.

Her partner, former detective constable Peter Foster, 35, was later charged with the murder of MIss Cooper, who had been on maternity leave.

Among those to attend yesterday’s moving ceremony were Miss Cooper’s parents James and Caroline, her children, brother Gordon and many colleagues from Surrey Police where she was known for her outstanding work with the victims of domestic violence.

An address read by Canon Webster on behalf of her family said: “Heather was a person who lived life to the full and at high speed and packed so much into her short life which was so tragically cut short.

“Heather’s life was her children, her family, friends and her job and she committed herself 100 per cent to both.

“She was an amazing mother and no mother could be as devoted and loving to her little children. By spending so much time with the children and with her gentle nature she gave them the best possible start to their lives.

“She was a happy friendly and outgoing person... she brought joy and laughter into peoples lives where ever she went.”

Her parents added to the address: “Heather is now back at home with her family and at rest in peace.

“She is so sadly missed and will always be with us in our thoughts.”

Heather’s coffin was carried into the service by her colleagues with her police cap resting on top.

Craig Denholme, deputy chief constable of Surrey Police, told the congregation Miss Cooper was an exceptionally talented policewoman who was quickly promoted to the role of detective constable and was especially known for her work with the victims of domestic violence.

He said her concern for vulnerable women and families was reflected in the collection after the service which was for the Women's Refuge Centre and Children's Outreach Support in York.

Deputy Chief Constable Denholme said: “She was a person who had a strong belief in doing what was right.

“She was tenacious as an investigator and colleagues remember her as a mild mannered detective who you would never hear moaning until she felt her strong sense of doing what was right was challenged.

“Heather will be missed, not just for the work she did or the way she did it, but the way her life was so incredibly cut short. “Our thoughts are with Joshua and Isobelle who have lost the opportunity to be brought up by Heather in the warm and nurturing environment she created.”

He repeated comments made by a victim of domestic violence she helped: “She was easy to talk to, putting me at my ease from the first time I spoke to her.

“She was a remarkable person and a wonderful ambassador for your profession.” Another colleague had told him: “Heather just excelled, she was the person you aspire to be.”

Policemen saluted the procession’s departure from the cathedral before the family left for a private burial in Terrington.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Guildford Cathedral on Tuesday, November 29.