Thousands of mourners packed a Bradford mosque to say their goodbyes to 15-year-old Amar Ali who was killed after being hit by a car as he crossed a road.

The popular teenager died after the collision on a pedestrian crossing in White Abbey Road, Manningham, on Saturday as his father and 11-year-old brother looked on.

Yesterday, his father Riasat Ali and mother Tazim Akhtar were joined by around 2,000 well-wishers at the Carlisle Road Mosque as they paid their final respects.

Scores of schoolchildren who studied with Amar at Beckfoot School, Bingley, filed up to Amar's coffin to say a final goodbye. The boys and girls comforted each other as they sobbed alongside the throngs of mourners of all ages, colours, and religions.

Leading the funeral service, Iman Mufti Raza Sahib offered his sympathy to the teenager's family. He told mourners: "For a 15-year-old boy, because he was so young he has committed no sin and will go straight to heaven. God will accept him with his open arms.

"Hopefully all the family should encourage one another through this traumatic experience.

"The fact that more than 2,000 people are here will help the community to come together."

More than 1,000 people had gathered at Amar's family's home in Ashfield Drive, Frizinghall, before the funeral. Amar's uncle Liaquat Ali said: "Amar was only 15 and he had his life to live. His life is gone. "

Schoolfriend Andy Taiwo, 15, said: "Amar will be missed by everyone in the school. We wanted to come and pay our respects today. He was a popular lad."

Janaid Yaqoob, 17, added: "We knew there would be a good turnout but it is surprising there are so many non-Muslims here. That's how it should be."

Beckfoot School head teacher David Horn attended the service with teachers who taught Amar.

Deputy head teacher Linda Wallsgrove said: "People here were very fond of him. The students have been very sad."

Friends, family and school-friends spilled out onto Carlisle Road and lined the streets as the hearse carried Amar's body to Scholemoor Cemetery where about 1,000 people said goodbye.

Amar's uncle Zaffar Iqbal said: "I have lived in England for 35 years and this was the biggest funeral turnout I have ever seen in Bradford.

"It was good to see so many children and I think it was a comfort to Amar's parents."

l A teenager appeared in Court on Wednesday in connection with Amar's death.

Amir Zeb Khan, 19, of Priestman Street, Manningham, was charged with causing Amar's death by dangerous driving. He was also accused of failing to stop after an accident, failing to report it and driving without a licence or insurance. Khan was remanded in custody to appear before Bradford Crown Court next week.