HUNDREDS of people packed into a Spanish church last week for the funeral of Sergio Retamar Marquez who was found dead in his Bournemouth flat in July..

The 23-year-old was laid to rest at the cemetery church in Coin, near Malaga, on Thursday evening at a service attended by his family, friends and the community.

Sergio’s funeral followed two days of official mourning declared by Mayor of Coin Fernando Fernandez Tapia-Ruano.

Waiter Sergio was found dead in his flat off Lansdowne Road in Bournemouth on July 17.

A post mortem examination revealed he had died from multiple stab wounds to the chest. Sergio had previously been a student at the United World School of English in St Peter’s Road, Bournemouth, and was working at the Britannia Hotel in Meyrick Road when he died.

Ex-pat Shelley Exley attended the funeral to present a wreath paid for by members of the ex-pat community.

She said the service was attended by over 300 people, with many having to stand outside to pay their respects.

One of Sergio’s friends dedicated songs during the service and the priest gave a moving tribute.

Shelley said: “It is a very sad time and we can only hope that Sergio’s mother and family can find a way to continue after this tragic loss.”

  • Karl Addo, 29, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murder of Sergio. He was remanded in custody and is next due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on October 25 for a plea and case management hearing.