Funeral disrupted by fireworks and gunshots

A FUNERAL in a quiet village had to be halted after fireworks were let off during the service and shots were fired over the heads of mourners in the graveyard.

Police said they are investigating what was thought to be a deliberate attempt to upset those attending the funeral of 89-year-old farmer Geoff Farnsworth.

Startled vicar Judith Trickett said she was forced to halt the service as the noise drowned out the interment and shotgun pellets showered mourners at the graveside.

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Dozens of rockets and bangers were let off as the funeral cortege approached St Peter's Church in the village of Letwell, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and the noise erupted again after the service.

The outraged vicar said: "This was a blatant attempt to undermine the dignity of the funeral but I don't think that we allowed it to do that. It seems that the fireworks were let off as the funeral cortege approached the church prior to the service.

"The banging appeared to stop when we were in church but then resumed when I was carrying out the interment. I was forced to stop because I was left trying to shout over the bangs. It was so disrespectful.

"Whatever anybody might think about an individual, for me there was no need for the disrespect that was shown."

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Mr Farnsworth, who lived in the nearby hamlet of Gildingwells, on the border of South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, died on July 29.

The dead man's nephew Michael Farnsworth, who was one of those shocked by the unexpected interruption, said: "What happened was totally uncalled for and caused a great deal of upset to the family."

Police described it as a "deliberate act of disruption" and they are appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information which may help catch the offenders.

Pc Shaun Rhodes of South Yorkshire Police, said "This is an extremely serious matter and something we are investigating as a priority. Any incident believed to involve guns especially where large groups of people are involved have to be taken very seriously.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, at around 2pm on August 6, is being urged to contact police on 01709 832700 or contact PC Rhodes via email at [email protected].

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