THE funeral has taken place of a father-of-two who was shot by police marksmen during an armed stand-off at his home.

Family and friends of Keith Richards from Shildon, County Durham, yesterday gathered for an intimate and emotional service led by the Reverend Rupert Kalus.

The 47-year-old died from gunshot wounds after firing a crossbow from the window of his Cheapside home on May 12.

He was described as a passionate Middlesbrough fan who loved his family and who was a hard worker.

Older brother Steven, an officer with Cleveland Police, paid tribute to “our little brother”, and recalled their happy childhood growing up in Sedgefield with their parents Arthur and Greta, and other brother, Geoff.

"Keith was always accident prone," he said.

"He managed to fall out of trees, fell down Roseberry Topping, and fractured his skull in a car crash.

"He worked hard and was self-taught in many things. He was always passionate about whatever job he did."

He described his brother as a family man, who was very proud of his wife, Julie, and children Simon and Jenny.

He added: "Keith, you will be missed. Rest easy."

Rev Kalus read a poem from Mr Richards' daughter Jenny in memory of her father, and the Celine Dion song Because You Loved Me was played on behalf of Mrs Richards.

Rev Kalus told the service at St John’s Church, Shildon,: "Despite his terrible problems with depression, Keith was a generous person, and was a loving husband and father who always put his family first.

"He enjoyed go-kart racing, which is one of the first things he and Julie did together.

"His last few months were painful for him. He was overcome by issues which were impossible to deal with, but deep down the person his family always loved remained there.

"We give thanks for the love Keith gave. He is now at peace."

On the night of the incident Mr Richards had been asked to leave a pub in the town after he became upset following Middlesbrough’s 3-1 defeat by Newcastle United.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is continuing its investigations into the incident.

* The Northern Echo attended the funeral with permission from Mr Richards' family.