David Black: Funeral For NI Prison Officer

The funeral has been held for murdered Northern Ireland prison officer David Black, as hundreds gathered in Belfast for a vigil in his memory.

The service took place in the father-of-two's native Cookstown with work colleagues carrying the coffin into the Molesworth Presbyterian Church.

Mr Black, 52, was shot on Northern Ireland's M1 motorway early in the morning of November 1 as he drove to the top-security Maghaberry jail near Lisburn, County Antrim.

Hundreds gathered in Belfast for a vigil during the funeral in Cookstown

He had spent more than 30 years in the prison service and the attack is believed to have been carried out by dissident republicans.

His wife Yvonne appealed for no retaliation for the killing, which has been condemned by politicians on all sides.

She said in a statement: "Grief and sadness in another home will achieve nothing."

David Black was a married father-of-two

Meanwhile  in Belfast, the vigil was held at the gates of City Hall at the same time as the funeral.

A a lone piper played laments during the memorial event.

It was arranged by trade union leaders to give people an opportunity to pay their respects and voice their opposition to violence.

Members of a range of trade unions held up banners while bowing their heads as a mark of respect.

Among notable attendees was Ulster Defence Association leader Jackie McDonald.

Peter Bunting, assistant general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said it was a poignant occasion.

"It gave people an opportunity to express their abhorrence at violence and the murder of David Black," he said.

"And also to show sympathy and solidarity with the Black family and the Prison Officers' Association.

The scene where Mr Black was shot on the M1 motorway

"We represent 215,000 members, who are sending a very clear message that this violence is not in our name.

Mr Buntin added: "Whether those who did this will listen is another thing."

Three people have been arrested, and later released, on both sides of the Irish border in connection with the murder.

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