More than 1,000 people packed the Jamia Masjid Islamic Centre in Stoke Poges Lane, Slough on Friday for the funeral of 18-year-old stabbing victim Mohammed Aman Ashraq.

They filled the main building and the courtyard outside as iman Doctor Osman Latiff delivered a powerful sermon.

Mohammed died after suffering a stab wound in Benjamin Lane, Wexham on January 4. Two 18-year-olds have been charged with murder.

Doctor Latif told the congregation: "It is the duty of us all as Muslims to have empathy with other people.

"This is an issue that affects not just one family but all of us as a community.

"The loss of the sanctity of one life means that all life is lost. We have to teach our children that this is not the way of Islam.

"Is the only way to acquire respect really based on who has the sharpest blade, the longest knife? Is there no other way.

"Don't resort to anger. Have discipline and control. It only takes a split second to make the heinous decision to use a knife.

"It makes you more of a man to walk away"

He called on the town's young people to lead the way to a better future, saying: "We are looking to you, you will lead us."

But ultimately his sermon reflected the sadness of the occasion as he said: "It broke my heart. May we never see this ever, ever, ever again. Save us from this epidemic, this horrendous fixation with knife culture, with gang culture."

Following the service Mohammed was buried at Slough Cemetery in Lismore Park, in Stoke Road.