THE FUNERAL and burial of an 11-year-old school boy who died suddenly over the weekend has taken place.

Mourners gathered on Wednesday afternoon to attend the funeral of Raffi Ahmed Pownall, which took place at the Ghausia Masjid in Nelson.

Raffi was rushed to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Saturday afternoon after falling seriously ill at his home in Burnley.

But paramedics and doctors were unable to save the schoolboy, who died a short while later.

Since then, hundreds have paid tribute to Raffi both on social media and by visiting the family at their home on Marsden Road.

Raffi, who live at home with his mum Ayesha and dad Tom, attended Barrowford Primary School and took religious studies at the Yā Sīn Academy, where teachers paid tribute to him.

Describing him as a 'lovely boy who was a pleasure to teach', a spokesman said: "He will be missed dearly. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Raffi's family.

"Words are not sufficient to describe this loss.

"This is an extremely painful and difficult time for his parents, brother, family, teachers, friends and classmates.

"We request you all to please keep Raffi and his loved ones in your prayers."

A police spokesman confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Raffi's death and said that a file has been passed to the coroner.

Family friend Waseem Mahmood, who announced details of Raffi's funeral also paid tribute, saying: "He was a beautiful child, full of life, intelligent and superseding his age.

“He would often attend programmes and retreats with his mother and he was an absolute joy to be around and this is a great loss for us.

“Can I kindly ask you all to please pray for the family during this testing time and remember them in your moments of reflection.”