Funeral For Postie Killed In Raid

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Hundreds of people have braved the cold to attend the funeral of a man shot dead tackling masked raiders at his family's village post office.

Craig Hodson-Walker's family walked to the church from their store in Fairfield, Worcestershire, to pay their final respects.

The 29 year old was murdered during an attempted robbery there on January 9.

His father Ken, who was injured in the raid, arrived at the church in a wheelchair.

The mourners also included Mr Hodson-Walker's mother Judy, his brother James and fiancee Lisa Bundy.

During the service the Rev Barbara Mapley said:"Craig is constantly surrounded by love and lives on in the hearts of those who will miss him so much.

"He has gone on ahead of us far sooner than anyone imagined through that
terrible deed but his memory is treasured."

Ms Mapley said Mr Hodson-Walker had made a "big impact" on the village because he was "so cheerful and helpful and willing to put himself out for others".

Hundreds of locals turned out for the funeral service, which was followed by a private cremation in nearby Redditch.

Mr Hodson-Walker was shot in the chest during the raid at Fairfield General Stores. His father, who is 56, was hit in the leg.

Locals said the pair successfully fended off another robbery a few years ago.

In January police believe three masked raiders entered the shop with a handgun and sledgehammer, while a fourth waited outside in a getaway car.

Four men aged 24 to 33 have been charged with murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery. They are next due in court on July 10.