Balloons released at funeral of US shooting victim Dylan

The older brother of six-year-old Dylan Hockley, who was killed in the Sandy Hook School shootings last week, released purple balloons today at his memorial service.

The purple balloons - chosen as purple was Dylan's favourite colour - were released following the service at the Walnut Community Church in Bethel in Connecticut.

Dylan's older brother, eight-year-old Jake, survived the mass killings. Their family moved to the US from Hampshire two years ago.

Following Dylan's death, his family released the following statement: "Everyone who met Dylan fell in love with him. His beaming smile would light up any room and his laugh was the sweetest music.

"He loved to cuddle, play tag every morning at the bus stop with our neighbours, bounce on the trampoline, play computer games, watch movies, the colour purple, seeing the moon and eating his favourite foods, especially chocolate.

"He was learning to read and was so proud when he read us a new book every day. He adored his big brother Jake, his best friend and role model ...

"We will always be a family of four, as though Dylan is no longer physically with us, he is forever in our hearts and minds. We love you Mister D, our special gorgeous angel."