Funeral at Rugby's St Marie's today was covid-secure, police say

A spokesperson for Rugby Police has given further information on the funeral held in St Marie's today which attracted a crowd of hundreds and saw Dunchurch Road closed.

Police said they were called to the church this afternoon, October 4, to reports that a large group of people had gathered outside.

When the Advertiser went to see what was going on at around 1.40pm, a crowd of at least several hundred was seen gathered on Dunchurch Road.

A strong police presence, including two officers outside the church, two outside the school, a van opposite and a car on the gyratory was also seen.

The spokesperson for Rugby Police further explained: "The funeral taking place within the church was covid-secure, with only 30 people in attendance.

"However many more people had gathered to pay their respects outside.

"Officers engaged with this group to ensure that people were adequately distancing and remained in family groups.

"The road was closed for safety reasons and to allow the cortege to leave the church safely."

The update comes after, at around 3pm, police advised motorists to avoid that area of the town centre following a road closure on Dunchurch Road from the gyratory to Kingsway.

Following the funeral, a small aircraft has been seen circling Rugby and towing a banner reading: "Big Michael, a true gentleman, RIP."