Hundreds turned out to honour the memory of Chafford Hundred father Bradley Arthur this afternoon at his funeral in Upminster.

The crematorium was standing room only as over 300 friends and family paid a touching tribute to the memory of the young dad who went missing on New Year’s Eve.

Crowds of people stood outside to watch the memorial service on a screen with loudspeakers.

The popular engineer, who has lived in the area since he was five, has left behind a two- month-old baby son Archie, heartbroken mother, father, brother, grandparents, girlfriend, cousins and hundreds of grieving friends.

Jay Belshaw, the funeral celebrant who led the service, said: “In Brad’s 24 years, he has touched the lives of so many people. Brad really was loved – more than any amount of words can describe.”

Brother Mitchell Arthur said: “They say a man’s greatest honour is to speak about a man. As I will never have the chance, this will have to be my best man’s speech. Brad was an incredible brother who I looked up to so much. There will never be a moment in my life when I don’t think of you and I dedicate every achievement I make to you.”

Mr Belshaw also read out a poem tribute written by Brad’s Mum and Dad, entitled, ‘Loving Memories of a Special Son.’ The poem was followed by the song, ‘Everywhere I am, there you’ll be,’ by Faith Hill.

Jennie Burke, the mother of Bradley’s two month old little boy Archie, paid tribute to her boyfriend by saying: “Although our time together as a family was short, I will always remember how happy you were about our future as a family – and how much love was in your eyes the moment you saw Archie. I will make sure he will always remember you. You had a very special heart.”

24-year-old Bradley Arthur went missing on New Year’s Eve after leaving a gathering of friends in Grays.

He was found five days later after a massive community man-hunt of several hundred people. The hunt quickly went viral on social media, with thousands of followers on Twitter using the hashtag #findbrad.

The large amount of press coverage showed a man whose personality touched the nation’s heart. Well over a thousand messages were left on Facebook expressing their support.

Police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious, although his inquest is due to be heard in March.

A fundraising website has raised over £10,000 to help support Bradley’s son Archie. To donate, http://www.gofundme.com/bradfamilyfund