Police colleagues formed a guard of honour as mourners packed a village church for the funeral of a Margate police officer who died after being struck by a train.

Det Con Andy Eley's funeral cortege was escorted by three police motorcycle outriders for his final journey through his home village of Minster, Thanet, on Tuesday. The hearse was followed by DC Eley's wife Linda and children Nicholas, Victoria and Harry in a black limousine.

On arrival, a dozen officers in ceremonial uniform received the coffin, draped with the Kent Police flag and family flowers. Some acted as pall bearers to carry it into St Mary's church for a private service.

Dozens of Thanet and Kent officers were among nearly 100 mourners paying their last respects to the 43-year-old, who died last month after being hit by a train at Broadley crossing between Minnis Bay and Reculver.

DC Eley had served 21 years with Kent Police in Thanet, spending much of his career as a detective in the crime unit.