A MUM-TO-BE who died in a suspected arson attack nearly four months ago was given an emotional send-off.

Friends and family gathered at Trinity Methodist Church, in Argyll Road, Westcliff, to pay tribute to Khabi Abrey, 30, and her unborn baby.

She died two days after a blaze broke out in the communal hallway in the Grampian tower block on the Balmoral estate, in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff.

Her husband, Stuart, read a touching poem written by Khabi called Rising Phoenix, while mourners sung hymns.

Rutendo Chitiga, secretary of the Balmoral Residents Association, said the “emotional” funeral had given some “closure” to Khabi’s family.

She said: “It has taken so long because of the circumstances but they got the closure that they have longed for.

“It has been very difficult, her dad was saying that it was so tough for them.

“People came from all over to pay their respects. Her mum, brother, father and some cousins came from South Africa, where Khabi was from.”

After the service, Khabi’s body was carried out to a horse-drawn carriage to the sound of Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.

Family and friends then held a wake at the Balmoral Community Centre.

Khabi - whose full name was Bokhabinyana - was known by many people in the tower block as Bunny and Radiance Lovelight and was a member of the African club, which meet in the building’s library.

Her husband was not in the flat at the time of the fire but paid tribute to his “perfect” wife after her death.

An online fundraising page was set up after the arson attack, which raised more than £2,500 in just eight days.

Lillo Troisi, 47, of Balmoral Road, Westcliff, has been charged with murder, arson with intent to endanger life and being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 9.