Private funeral for Amy Winehouse

Singer Amy Winehouse will be laid to rest today in a private funeral attended by her family and close friends.

The ceremony comes after police revealed they will have to wait up to four weeks for the results of toxicology tests to establish the 27-year-old’s cause of death.

A post-mortem examination carried out into the star’s death yesterday was inconclusive.

It came on the same day her grieving parents made an emotional visit to see the tributes left outside her home in Camden, North London, where she was found dead on Saturday.

Mitch and Janis Winehouse sobbed as they looked at the flowers, candles, cuddly toys and even cigarette boxes and alcoholic drinks left at the edge of police cordons surrounding the singer’s house.

Mr Winehouse, who flew back from New York after hearing the news of his daughter’s death, told a crowd gathered outside that they were “devastated”, adding: “You people in the street, I can’t tell you what this means to us – it really is making this a lot easier for us.”

A spokesman for the family said today’s funeral, which Jewish law states has to take place as soon as possible, would be “a family and close friends affair”.

He would not reveal details about the exact location or time of the ceremony, but it is believed that it is likely to take place in the North London area.

An inquest was opened and adjourned until October 26, but no cause of death was given.

The circumstances around her death were described as “non-suspicious” by coroner’s officer Sharon Duff.

Scotland Yard revealed it would be waiting for the results of toxicology tests after yesterday’s post mortem was unable to establish a formal cause of death.

The results are expected in two to four weeks, a spokesman said.

Mr Winehouse said yesterday: “Amy was about one thing and that was love. Her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends and to you guys as well.

“We’re devastated and I’m speechless, but thanks for coming.”

Her boyfriend film director Reg Traviss also paid tribute to the singer.

“I can’t describe what I am going through and I want to thank so much all of the people who have paid their respects and who are mourning the loss of Amy, such a beautiful, brilliant person and my dear love,” he told The Sun.

“I have lost my darling who I love very much. We have suffered a terrible untimely loss and want peace now.”

Winehouse battled drink and drug problems throughout her career and news of her death was quickly followed by suggestions that it could be related to one or the other.

The troubled artist had cancelled all tour dates and engagements last month after a series of erratic public appearances. She was booed at a shambolic performance in Serbia.