HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to say their final farewells to much-loved teacher Amy Appleton.

The 32-year-old was murdered outside her home in Hazel Way, Crawley Down on December 22 last year.

She was a teacher at Copthorne Church of England School and a regular churchgoer at St John’s in Copthorne.

At her funeral in Crawley in February, about 100 people had to watch the service on a giant screen as there was not enough room inside.

School headteacher Joanna Francis said: “Amy was one of our most loved and respected teachers who was dedicated to giving the best education to all her pupils. Her passion and enthusiasm, sense of fun and cheerful nature has made a huge impact on our entire school community but especially on the children at Copthorne CE Junior school and those who she taught during her time here.”

“Amy will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Amy and her family at this terrible time.”

Rev Wim Mauritz led the service and said: “The death of Amy Appleton has had a huge impact on her family, friends and colleagues as well as the wider school community in Copthorne.

“Amy was a popular and much-loved teacher. Her passion and enthusiasm has had a positive influence on many children, pupils and parents

“It was evident in the outpouring of feeling here today at her funeral and at our school memorial service that was held a few weeks ago.”

Rev Mauritz said he was inspired to speak about the idea of light shining in the darkness because one of Ms Appleton’s favourite songs was “My Lighthouse”.

Police forensic tents were pitched in the housing estate and detectives launched Operation Deanland, a murder inquiry.

A neighbour on Hazel Way, who asked not to be named, said: “This is a terrible scene - and so near Christmas. Those poor people, they must have been terrified in the moments before they died.

“This is normally such a quiet place, nothing nasty ever happens here. We are just a nice ordinary estate with no trouble.”