The face of the police throughout the Grace Millane homicide investigation, Det Insp Scott Beard, flew to England to attend the British backpacker's funeral.
Det Insp Beard travelled to the United Kingdom with a family liaison officer as a "mark of respect to the family and as part of our commitment to on-going support for them".
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Ms Millane's father, David, had previously thanked Det Insp Beard for his compassion and service to the family during the investigation and said his daughter would, in a small way, "forever be a Kiwi".
Her funeral was held at 12:30am (NZ Time) in Brentwood Cathedral in Essex. It included the hymn 'Amazing Grace' and a eulogy from her father.
Hundreds attended the service, which included a procession from her hometown Wickford, about 20km to the east. Many wore white ribbons, a symbol representing opposition to violence against women, The Sun reported.
The order of service was decorated with paintings by Ms Millane, a passionate artist, including one of two watercolour elephants previously posted on her Instagram, reports the BBC.
She was buried in the parish of Ramsden Bellhouse in a private ceremony.
The backpacker was found dead after travelling to New Zealand in November as part of a journey around the world.
A 26-year-old has been charged with her murder and will appear in court on January 23.
Newshub.
