MANY hundreds gathered for the funeral of 10-year-old Bradford boy Tayyab Akram which took place in the city this afternoon.

Mourners packed the Hanfia Masjid, in Carlisle Road, Bradford, for the ‘janazah’ followed by a burial service at Scholemoor Cemetery.

Tayyab, from East Bowling, was seriously injured on October 13 when he was hit by a van in Wakefield Road.

He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where doctors put him on life support and in an induced coma. But despite their heroic efforts the popular youngster was too seriously injured and he died on Tuesday this week without regaining consciousness.

Tayyab was a member of Nelson’s Boxing Academy and many of his colleagues and friends from the club attended at the cemetery to pay their respects.

On Wednesday night the club held a balloon releasing event in his memory with colleagues wearing their red and gold boxing kits as a mark of respect for him.

The 10-year-old was a year 6 pupil at Bradford Academy. The whole school said prayers for Tayyab when they heard the news of his accident.

This week the academy’s principal, Tehmina Hashmi, wrote to pupils’ parents and carers to inform them of the news of Tayyab’s death and to offer support from the academy for anyone who needed it.

She wrote: “Tayyab was a fun-loving, popular and funny young man who will be greatly missed by all of our school and the wider community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Our memorial garden will be open over the next few days should you wish to reflect or pay tribute and staff will be available.

“We are aware that this can be a very difficult thing for children and young people to understand and we will be addressing this once the learners return to school on November 1.”

A book of condolence was opened by the Telegraph & Argus which was inundated with messages of support.

One wrote: “Rest well son. I can only pray for your family. May God be your family during this difficult time.”

Another summed up the feeling of many: “Rest in peace little man. Too young to be taken and so very sad. It’s heart breaking news and my only hope is that your family get the help and support they need. Cant imagine what they are going through. Heaven gained another precious angel.”

Close family friend Abdul Satar said: The family wants to thank everyone of all faiths who attended the funeral and for the words of support.”