Attack fear for firework vigil coffin

Taken away for safety

Norman Silvester A murder victim’s body had to be removed from a church over fears it would be targeted after a firework attack at his vigil.

Owen Hassan’s coffin was rushed to a funeral parlour when the ser v ice at St Robert Bellarmine in Glasgow’s Nitshill came under seige the night before he was laid to rest.

His body was supposed to stay overnight at the altar but it was taken away by undertakers amid fears it would be damaged.

Police suggested the move after talking to Owen’s family, church officials and the funeral directors.

A church source said: “The custom is that the body of the deceased stays in the church until the next day.

“It is unheard of to return the body to the funeral parlour overnight.”

We told last week how the vigil service was disrupted by a firework attack after mourners arrived.

Extra officers patrolled his funeral mass and burial the following day.

The vigil was lead by Father Jim Dean. No one was injured in the outrage.

An A rchdiocese of Glasgow spokesman said: “We’ll continue to cooperate with the police as they carry out their investigation into this distressing episode.”

The pol ice said: “Our inquiries are continuing.”

Owen was stabbed to death in Pol lokshaws, Glasgow, on November 7.

David Callaghan, 29, of East Kilbride, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court in December charged with his murder.