In the church where he worshipped at every Sunday, Raymond Quigley's family and friends gathered in tribute.

Wife Dorothy and the couple's four children led mourners at the funeral of the 72-year-old who died at Sunderland Royal Hospital on Sunday, September 2.

Police launched a major investigation after the grandfather-of-six was assaulted at Beechbrooke, Ryhope, before collapsing in the road.

Those who knew him best came together yesterday at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle.

Mr Quigley had been married to Dorothy, 69, since 1958.

His sons, Daniel, 39, of Roker, Patrick, 36, of West Boldon, Shaun, 47, of High Heworth, Gateshead, along with daughter Maria, 42, and her husband Tom, 43, say their family has been left heartbroken by his death.

Described by his wife as an "honest, upright, mild and unassuming" man, Mr Quigley was a keen and talented footballer in his younger years.

He was a lifelong Sunderland fan, and regularly took his sons to matches at the old Roker Park.

Due to celebrate his 73rd birthday in just a few days' time, he had still been doing three or four shifts a week in his cab.

Daughter Maria said: "He was a unique and amazing man, the very best father ever. He is my hero, irreplaceable."

Mr Quigley had been deeply religious and committed to his family throughout his life.

Mrs Quigley added: "He was a role model to his children and grandchildren. He will leave a gap that no one will ever be able to fill, and he will be in our hearts, minds and souls."

Fellow taxi drivers, touched by the tragedy, also attended the service.

Anyone with information about Mr Quigley's death is asked to contact police on 08456 043 043 and ask for the incident room at Farringdon Hall police station.

* A 17-year-old arrested in connection to Mr Quigley's death has been bailed pending further inquiries.

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