FRIENDS and family of a much-loved Hammers fan, who was stabbed to death on Halloween, gathered to pay their respects and say their goodbyes.

Daniel Berry, 33, died from a single stab wound during an incident in High Street, Benfleet, on October 31.

Mourners poured into St Nicholas Church, in Long Road, Canvey, for the popular carpenter’s funeral on Friday led by the Rev David Tudor.

Draped in the flag of his favourite football team, West Ham United, the coffin was held proudly aloft and carried into church by his brothers .

Flowers spelling out Brother and Danny Boy decorated the hearse and more bouquets were left outside the church with messages of grief and tributes to Daniel.

One tribute, from Walt, Eve, Tasha and Lee, read: “It broke our hearts when you were so cruelly taken away from everyone who loves you.

“Life is precious and you had so much to live for.

“We see your handsome smiling face and this will stay in our minds and hearts for ever.”

Daniel’s mother and father had passed away, but his four brothers and one sister, who all live locally, wrote moving tributes to their brother.

One brother, Paul, wrote: “Sweet dreams my young brother. We’ll miss you and love you forever.”

Another brother said: “To my dearest brother. Words cannot express how much I will miss you.”

  • James Pearson, 45, of High Street, Benfleet, has been charged with Daniel Berry’s murder. Pearson has been remanded in custody. He will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 26.