Special assemblies were held this week at Greenhead High School, Keighley, and Aireville School, Skipton, for the dead boys.

Greenhead head Tricia McCarthy said staff were able to speak positively about students Shabram and Zohaib. She said: "We've lost two super lads, super examples to other people. Shabram was a lovely lad, generous in his whole life. He was a good friend to many.

"He was very talented but had modesty about those talents. He was keen on sport and was doing well in his studies."

Zohaib was also generous in everything he did. "People's memories were that he went everywhere with a football under his arm," said the head.

"He took it on himself to help at the mosque, things that other people wouldn't want to do. He was there when his friends needed him."

David Croll, head of Aireville School, said the death of Azeem had shocked and saddened fellow students and staff.

He said: "He was a very able pupil who had many talents. He was a popular boy who had many friends at Aireville and he will be sadly missed."

Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Centre, in Keighley, and a Bradford councillor, is a friend of all three families.

He said: "These were well-behaved, civilised young men. They came from very stable family backgrounds with no problems whatsoever.

"They were talented, religious and attended the mosque. They were a fine example to us all."

Keighley town councillor Javaid Akhtar, who also lives in Showfield, has known the boys' fathers for many years.

He said: "People in the community are devastated by this tragedy. What has happened is totally shocking."

Cllr Akhtar said all three families had been in England for many years. "Zohaib's father has always been involved in the community, with youth sports," he added.

Mohammed Saleem, of the Ittehaad Community Assoc-iation, said: "Our heartfelt deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the families at the tragic loss of their children.

"They put their whole lives into their children, who were bright, talented and religious young men."

He said members would be praying for the families through their grieving process and the attendance at the funeral demonstrated the depth of love and support among the Muslim community.