THE story of Gravesend policeman, Karl Bluestone’s life was told at his funeral on Tuesday.

Mr Bluestone, 36, was “passionately devoted” to his wife and children.

But in five minutes of "insane madness" the fun-loving family man killed his wife, Jill, and two of his children, Henry, three, and Chandler, 18 months, before hanging himself.

More than 200 mourners gathered at Medway Crematorium to remember Karl Bluestone with affection.

They heard that those few moments were completely out of context to the man they knew.

The Vicar of St Aidan's Church, Gravesend, the Rev Peter Rich, spoke of the "great sense of pain at the tragic circumstances that have taken place."

He said: "Perhaps it is right that questions will be asked as to whether this tragedy could have been avoided."

But he said: "These are questions for the future. Today is a time to give thanks of the life Karl Bluestone."

On behalf of Karl's parents he thanked everyone for their support, their many letters of sympathy, phone calls and visits. And he thanked Jill's family for their great support since the tragedy.

Mr Bluestone’s coffin bore a large white floral tribute. A smaller floral tribute spelled out the word "DAD".

The flowers were from his three surviving children, Jessica and Jack, who are recovering from his attack on them, and Samantha, his daughter from his first marriage.

Two police colleagues spoke of their close friendship with a man noted for his mischievous sense of humour.

One said that he and Mr Bluestone shared a home together when their first marriages collapsed. They lived a life of "men behaving badly".

The second officer - who acted as a pallbearer - told Mr Bluestone’s parents, Greg and Christine, how they had been friends for six years.

There was laughter among the tears as both officers told of his humour.

Among Karl's pranks were "totally inappropriate" text messages that he would send from colleagues' phones to others.

Another colleague told how Mr Bluestone had helped with a rescue attempt during the Yalding floods.