Hundreds line streets of Plymouth for final farewell to Bobbi-Anne McLeod
A horse-drawn carriage brought the teenager's coffin to her funeral
Last updated 26th May 2022
Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Plymouth to say a final farewell to Bobbi-Anne McLeod at her funeral.
Mourners, friends and family all wore t-shirts of the 18-year-old's favourite bands, including Pink Floyd, Nirvana, ACDC, Green Day, Guns N' Roses, Queen, Eminem and Oasis.
A horse-drawn carriage took the 18-year-old’s sparkling blue coffin from her home in Leigham to St Andrew’s Church in Royal Parade. It was topped with blue and white flower tributes spelling out her name.
The coffin was carried into the church by pallbearers, and her family, including her parents Adrian and Donna and brother Lee, followed behind.
A single red rose and personal tributes to Miss McLeod had been placed on top of the coffin.
Hundreds of people filled the church for the 40-minute service, which was led by Rev Joe Dent.
As the hearse left the church, people outside broke out into a spontaneous round of applause.
Local mum-of-two Vicky was there to pay her respects. She said: "I live in Leigham and my son used to go to school with Bobbi, they were in the same class, and my daughter knew Bobbi, so it's important that we're here today. It's just a really said thing for the community."
Bobbi-Anne's friend Izzy told us: "She was very small and very cute, she was nice, she loved bands and rock music so much that everyone can wear the t-shirts to remember her by and the things that she loved.
And childhood friend Bella added: "She used to have posters all over her walls of the bands, it's nice for everyone to come together and the whole of Plymouth to be there and remember her."
In his address, the reverend said today was about remembering Bobbi-Anne by the people who knew and loved her, and also a day of reflection for the whole city.
Among the congregation were Lord Mayor of Plymouth Sue Dann, senior police officers and local Conservative MP Johnny Mercer.
Plymouth City Council have paid to Bobbi-Anne today, saying: "The thoughts of the whole city are with the family, friends and the people of Leigham today as they say goodbye to Bobbi-Anne McLeod. May her light shine on. We will never forget her."
Local MP Luke Pollard tweeted: "Today is the funeral of Bobbi-Anne McLeod in Plymouth.
"It’s an important day for our city to celebrate her life and say good bye to her.
"Let’s remember her for her life and the joy she brought, not her death."
Bobbi-Anne's death shocked the city, after she was attacked while waiting alone at a bus stop in November.
Last week, serial killer-obsessed Cody Ackland, 24, was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 31 years behind bars.
A judge described the teenager's murder as "chilling" and told Ackland he may die in jail.