Lindsay Ann's family walked behind the coffin

Lindsay Ann Hawker, 22, from Brandon, Warks, was found dead in a bath of sand after she was strangled in March.

The funeral at Coventry Cathedral was followed by a private burial attended by Miss Hawker's family.

CCTV released by Japanese police shows the ex-Leeds University student talking to the prime suspect in the inquiry, 28-year-old Tatsuya Ichihashi.

'Devastating loss'

He fled from the apartment where her body was found on 27 March.

An inquest into Miss Hawker's death was opened and adjourned by Warwickshire's coroner, Michael Coker earlier this month.

This is a devastating loss for Lindsay's family The Rev Tim Pullen

The funeral, described as a celebration and thanksgiving for her life, was conducted by the Reverend Tim Pullen, of St Margaret's Church in Wolston, near Rugby.

In a statement, Mr Pullen said: "As the local vicar, I have been in contact with Lindsay's family since shortly after the news broke of her murder.

"This is a devastating loss for Lindsay's family.

"My main role has been to offer some support to them in beginning to come to terms with her death; listening, talking and praying with them."

Televised appeals

In a separate statement, the Very Reverend John Irvine, Dean of Coventry, said: "From a practical point of view, given the number of people expected to want to attend this funeral, the cathedral was the obvious venue.

"We are very pleased to be able to support the Hawker family, Mr Garside (boyfriend Ryan) and Lindsay's wide circle of friends in this way."

Mr Ichihashi is believed to have approached Miss Hawker, who worked for a language school, about private English lessons after following her home from a railway station.