SCORES of mourners flocked to Accrington Crematorium to pay their last respects to Paul Padden who was found dead in Amsterdam.

Mr Padden, 29, formerly of Towneley Avenue, Huncoat, was found dead on a bench in the city’s Rembrandt Park on 4 December.

He was said to have fled to Amsterdam in 2004 after being placed on Lancashire Police’s "most wanted" list in connection with a £100,000 drug deal in Rishton.

He had been charged with possession of Ecstasy with intent to supply, but fled before he could be dealt with in court.

Initial reports that he had been shot were later discounted by the Dutch police but his death is being treated as suspicious and a major investigation has been launched.

More than 100 family and friends turned out to pay their final respects at a funeral service at the crematorium followed by burial at the cemetery.

While Mr Padden’s coffin was being taken into the chapel, Roxanne by the Police was played and among the many floral tributes was a wreath which read simply "son."

Among those paying tribute to Mr Padden was his mother-in-law Ann Flood.

She said: "Many may remember Paul for the things he did, but we all make mistakes and I do not want anyone to judge him.

"In the end, there is only one judge and that is God, who we must all answer to.

"One of the things I will remember about Paul was his sense of humour as he could always make you laugh. I remember once we were on holiday in Spain and he suddenly turned up when we weren’t expecting him and we ended up having a great holiday. He was always full of surprises.

"He and his partner Carrie had their ups and downs when they were together. But I know one thing for certain, she loved Paul very much and he loved her."

Other tributes were read out on behalf of his sisters Denise and Becky and his six-year-old son Lewis who wrote a poem for his dad and also drew a picture showing a heart.

Mr Padden was a Burnley supporter and although he did not go to see them regularly always regarded them as his team and he also had a keen interest in motorbikes.

As well as Carrie, Denise, Becky, Lewis and Ann, he also leaves his mum Pauline Mallen, also of Towneley Avenue, his good friend Anthony, a brother-in-law Ryan, grandma Phyllis and a father-in-law Ernie.

After the service, his friends and family held a celebration of his life at the Brooks Club, Accrington.