Flags are flying at half mast at Chingford Police Station as the whole country mourns murdered PC Keith Palmer.

The 48-year-old father and husband was stabbed to death by Khalid Masood as he carried out his duties in front of the Palace of Westminster.

Stations up and down the country flew flags at half mast as the boys and girls in blue came together for PC Palmer's funeral.

Noticing the mark of respect outside Chingford Police Station, in Kings Head Hill, Jack Dearman called it a "nice gesture".

Before today's service at Southwark Cathedral, the Queen gave permission for PC Palmer's body to rest in Westminster's Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, an honour normally reserved for senior figures.

As many as 5,000 officers from the Metropolitan Police and other forces, including a delegation from the New York Police Department, joined the service or lined the cortege route as members of the public looked on.

Thousands more officers and staff at police stations across the country marked two minutes' silence at 2pm.

In a eulogy, his friend and colleague Chief Inspector Neil Sawyer said: "During Keith's policing service he met and worked alongside many officers and left a positive impression on all.

"And we will all miss him greatly.

"I know this because over the last couple of weeks so many of these colleagues and friends have told me as much.

"I will close with these thoughts from myself, Keith's colleagues and friends - his spirit will never leave us and he will remain an inspiration to us all.

"Keith's blue lamp will shine bright forever. And on behalf of us all we say thank you - Keith made a difference and we will not forget."