Funeral Held For Mum And Sons Killed In Leicester Explosion
20 April 2018, 18:08 | Updated: 20 April 2018, 18:16
More than 600 people have attended the funeral of three family members who were killed in a shop explosion.
Mary Ragoobeer, 46, and her sons, Shane, 18, and Sean, 17, died in the incident in Hinckley Road, Leicester, on February 25.
More than 600 people are here today paying their respects to Mary, Shane and Sean who sadly lost their lives in the #HinckleyRoad explosion
— Charlotte Winfield (@JournoCharlotte) April 20, 2018
It’s clear to see how many lives they’ve touched in #Leicester #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/syeAA49Rqx
After the public funeral led by the Bishop of Leicester, a cortege of 12 vehicles, including three hearses one holding the coffins and a car carrying Mrs Ragoobeer's widower, Jose Ragoobeer, drove past the site of the explosion.
Hear our reporter @JournoCharlotte with a full report on the funeral of Mary, Shane and Sean Ragoobeer today in #Leicester #CapitalReports https://t.co/bqCegQRWd1
— CapitalEastMids News (@CapitalEMNews) April 20, 2018
The procession then passed the English Martyrs' School, where Shane and Sean were pupils, before arriving at Gilroes Cemetery for a private service.
Family, friends and members of the public filled Leicester Cathedral on Friday, with many wearing football shirts in memory of Shane and Sean's love of Manchester United and Liverpool.
The blast, in which Leah Beth Reek, 18, and Viktorija Ljevleva, 22, also died, destroyed a Polish supermarket and the two-storey flat above.
During the 90-minute funeral service, the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow, said: "Today is not a day to speculate about causes or express our anger."
Our reporter @JournoCharlotte has been at the funeral of Mary, Shane and Sean Ragoobeer in #Leicester #CapitalReports https://t.co/oyatwSlbxb
— CapitalEastMids News (@CapitalEMNews) April 20, 2018
Tributes were paid to the three victims by tearful family members, and songs were played by a band from a church where Mr Ragoobeer is an active member.
During the service, Mrs Ragoobeer's niece, Shannon Ragoobeer, who referred to her as "Auntie Steph", said: "Auntie Steph was a cheerful, fun-loving lady who was full of life.
"Her smile would always light up the room and it was infectious. That made everyone around her happy, whether it was her funny jokes, her positive attitude or her big smile. She was a delight to be around."
Paying tribute after the trio's deaths, Mr Ragoobeer said: "Every day they will all be missed by myself, Scotty (Mr Ragoobeer's other son) and our family and friends.
"Our lives will never be the same. What happened that day has affected so many people's lives."
Liverpool F.C. shirts are worn by Shane Ragoobeer’s closest friends today at #Leicester Cathedral
— Charlotte Winfield (@JournoCharlotte) April 20, 2018
Some also have “Leah” printed on them - to remember the girlfriend he “adored” pic.twitter.com/JQYs5dS1x1
Three men are facing criminal charges in connection with the deaths.
Arkan Ali, 37, Hawkar Hassan, 32, and Aram Kurd, 33, all pleaded not guilty to five counts of manslaughter and an additional charge of arson with intent to endanger life at Leicester Crown Court on April 3.
