Family and friends pay their respects during emotional farewell to Roberts

Roberts’ body was found on Alcorns Green, Fishtoft, on Saturday December 12, close to the home he shared with his dad Edgars.

The grief-stricken family held a private service at Boston Cemetery with a small number in attendance.

But dozens of people, including many of Roberts’ classmates and staff members from his school, Haven High Academy, lined the streets of the funeral procession to pay their own respects.

Those gathering had been advised to maintain social distancing and not gather in groups after details of the procession route were posted on social media to allow them to say goodbye.

The route of the cortege, down Tawney Street/Robin Hoods Walk, took it past the school, and blue balloons which some students held were tied to the railings.