There was no standing room left in the chapel yesterday as family and friends said a painful goodbye to murder victim Clement Desmier.

Hundreds of mourners turned out to the funeral at Rawdon Crematorium, with some having to gather in the hallway behind and watch the service through the open doors.

Mr Desmier’s daughter Adelle paid an emotional and eloquent tribute to her father.

She said: “Though he was ripped from our lives by an evil we cannot comprehend, he will live on in our hearts.”

She said she had been so thankful that in her last telephone conversation with her father, she had told him she loved him and he had replied that he loved her as well.

Fittingly for Mr Desmier, 68, who had been a keen singer and guitarist, the service was filled with music.

Two floral tributes in the shape of guitars stood at each side of his coffin, accompanied by an arrangement reading simply ‘Dad’.

Three Elvis Presley songs were played during the funeral: Precious Lord, The Wonder Of You and Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

Mr Desmier had also requested another song for his funeral, the hymn Softly And Tenderly. A version by American singer Sara Groves was played to the mourners.

As mourners left, a collection was taken for the British Heart Foundation.

Mr Desmier, a grandfather, was found dead in his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, on August 23. He had died from multiple injuries.

No-one has yet been charged with his murder.

On Wednesday, the detective leading the investigation appealed once again for information.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley said: “It is just over two months since the death of Mr Desmier and clearly an upsetting time for all close to him.

“Mr Desmier was much loved and our thoughts are with those paying their respects.

“I am calling on the community to come forward with any information that will help his family and friends receive the answers they deserve.”

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or phone the police’s non-emergency number 101.