Shaw prepares for Jamie's funeral

Jamie Heaton

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THE people of Shaw are preparing to pay their respects at gas blast victim Jamie Heaton’s funeral tomorrow.

The two-year-old had been watching television in the front room of his home in Buckley Street when the devastating blast reduced his and neighbouring homes to rubble.

The toddler’s service begins at noon in St James's Church, before a cortege takes him to Hollinwood Crematorium for a private burial.

St James Street and Vicarage Street will be closed to allow people to listen to the service, which will be broadcast outside the church on a PA system.

Demolition workers will stop work as a mark of respect and to minimise disturbance. Shaw and Royton police inspector Karen Taylor said: “We anticipate that we are going to fill the church and more. The family is happy for anyone who wants to attend and listen to the service outside, but obviously the family wants the crematorium to be private.

“We know that some shops are also shutting as a mark of respect.

Margaret Simister, who owns Interiors in Market Street, said: “We will turn the lights off and close the door as a mark of respect.”

Jamie leaves his parents, Kenny and Michelle and two siblings, Jodie and Jack.

Detectives are still keen to quiz Andrew Partington, who suffered severe burns in the blast, when he comes out of an induced coma.

They added his condition may remain the same for days or maybe weeks.

No more arrests have been made.

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