The family of boxer Danny Hall who was killed in a motorcycle accident have criticised the police for interfering with his funeral arrangements.

The 26-year-old, crowned Southern Counties super heavyweight novice champion last season and due to turn professional in December, died after his Suzuki GSXR 600 collided with a car on the A284 at Arundel.

Tomorrow's funeral procession will depart from Mr Hall's house, in Central Avenue, Bognor, where he lived with his wife, Tracey, 31, and their two sons.

Led by a carriage and four horses, the procession will include four hearses and a lorry from UK Scaffolding, the company co-owned by Mr Hall, containing a massive flower arrangement of a boxing ring.

But family and friends have criticised Sussex Police for calling a halt to plans for 40 members of St Gerard's Boxing Club, in Chichester, where Mr Hall trained, to walk the four-mile route of the procession.

They said they are also upset over the police's request that additional UK Scaffolding lorries and vans carrying staff dressed in black T-shirts should also not join the procession.

Mr Hall's father, Danny, 63, said: "The police shouldn't interfere with a procession like this. It's disrespectful and very heartless. Everyone is flabbergasted.

"The police have told us it's a health and safety issue. There will be a fair few people at the procession but we won't interfere with the public. We will slow down traffic but don't all funerals?"

Gerry Lavelle, Mr Hall junior's trainer, said everyone at St Gerard's was looking forward to walking behind the coach and horses as a mark of respect for a much-loved gym member.

He said: "It's rather sad that the police won't allow us to march. This was our last chance to show our respect. The horses go slowly anyway, so I don't see what difference we would have made. It's only four miles. Four miles is nothing for the person we are paying our respects for.

"They are all disciplined boxers and would have formed a line behind the coach. We will now have to go in cars, and that will probably cause more disruption."

Mr Hall's business partner, Glenn Pearce, said everyone at UK Scaffolding was disappointed. He said: "The guys were all up for doing their bit on the day but the police have knocked it on the head."

A Sussex police spokesman said: "On occasions such as this we try to work closely with the family and respect their wishes.

"We also have to consider the safety of people walking and other road users, and advise accordingly."

The procession will go along the seafront before arriving at St Wilfrid's Church, in Ellasdale Road, Bognor, for a service at about 2.15pm.