Heartbroken mourners attend funeral for boy, five, who was killed when mirror fell on him in Fenwick's department store as mother pays tribute to her 'amazing little boy' with 'beautiful smile'

Heartbroken mourners turned out today for the funeral of a five-year-old who was tragically killed by a department store mirror.

Freddie Farrow was out shopping with his family when he was catastrophically injured by a large mirror that fell onto him in Fenwick's department store in Colchester.  

Staff and shoppers battled to try to save Freddie before emergency service workers took over on Tuesday, July 27. 

The popular youngster, who his mother Natasha Ingham remembers fondly for his thoughtfulness in picking flowers for her each day, succumbed to his injuries six days later on Monday, August 2.

Freddie's funeral was held place this morning at Colchester Crematorium and locals lined the streets to offer their support after an open invitation this week from Freddie's heartbroken mother.

Freddie Farrow, five, had been out shopping with his family when tragedy struck on July 27

Freddie's coffin was placed on the back of a horse drawn carriage and two snow white horses pulled it through the streets with Freddie's flower-covered coffin visible inside

Freddie's funeral was held place this morning at Colchester Crematorium and locals lined the streets to offer their support after an open invitation this week from Freddie's heartbroken mother

Freddie's coffin was placed on the back of a horse drawn carriage and two snow white horses pulled it through the streets with Freddie's flower-covered coffin visible inside.

The cortege pulled into the crematorium ahead of a funeral for family and close friends.

Miss Ingham has paid tribute to her son and those who tried to save his life.

She said: 'He will never leave us. He will be with us every single day throughout all our lives - until we see him again. As a family we are devastated by his death. He was such a lovely little boy - and very cheeky in a lot of ways.

'He used to pick me flowers every day - it could have been daisies or whatever he could get his hands on - and give them to me and tell me he loved me and I would tell him I loved him back.

'He was so content; he would always ask questions and, I know every mum will say this, he was such a clever little boy.'

She also thanked people for the outpouring of support, and added: 'I have had a lot of messages from people and that support has been really important for us and I'd like to thank people for that.'

Freddie's father, Andy Farrow,  also thanked those who had offered their support to the family as they dealt with their grief.

'I am grateful for the time we had with Freddie. Every day he was loved and cherished and brought so much happiness to everyone who knew him,' he said.

'Freddie, his brother and sister were inseparable and I know for sure he will be watching over them.

The department store was shut as an investigating was carried out following the death

'Freddie was an expert Lego builder, confident swimmer, and enjoyed crabbing and park running. He had such a contagious laugh and always pulled funny faces.

'I will miss you Fredboy, so, so much... and until we meet again, I love you.

'I would like to thank the members of the public and emergency services who came to Freddie's aid on the day of the incident and the specialist care he received after.

'I have also been touched by the support shown to us by the Colchester community and my family have taken, and continue to take, comfort in that.'

Freddie had completed Year 1 at Gosbecks Primary School, in Colchester, and the family had planned a trip to LegoLand for his sixth birthday before he was due to begin Year 2 this week.

Polly Bradford, headteacher at Freddie's school, also paid tribute.

She said: 'Freddie was a little star. His sensitive and caring nature shone through with his friends, who he always looked out and cared for.

'He was a sweet-natured boy who was always polite and well-mannered with everyone he came across in school.

'Freddie was a quiet and thoughtful soul and it had been lovely to see him grow in confidence over the past few months, working hard and taking pride in his achievements. His unique character and lovely smile touched all who knew him.

'Freddie was a credit to his family and his kindness and thoughtfulness will be sorely missed by his teachers and friends.

'Words cannot describe the utter loss felt by those who cherished Freddie.

Police and Ambulance outside Fenwicks store in Colchester on July 27 after the mirror fell on the small boy

'Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with those who knew and loved him; he will be in our hearts forever.'

Essex Police were involved in the original investigation into Freddie's death but the matter is now being dealt with by Colchester Council.

Their probe into the circumstances leading to the mirror fall is ongoing.

A Colchester Borough Council spokesperson said: 'We are continuing our full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident under our health and safety responsibilities.'     

In the wake of his death Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, District Commander for Colchester, said: 'I know I speak for all of my teams when I say that we are extremely saddened by the news.

'This is a truly heart-breaking incident and all of our thoughts are with the boy's loved ones.

'On behalf of my attending officers, I would also like to thank the members of the public and store staff who went above and beyond to assist us.

'We are extremely grateful for your help.' 

A fundraising page set up for the family of Freddie has topped £10,900.

Fenwick said the company was working with the local authorities to understand what happened and the store remained closed for several days 'as a mark of respect'.