Thousands of mourners have packed into Rouen cathedral in northern France to farewell murdered priest Father Jacques Hamel.

The 85 year old was killed by two 19 year old jihadists last week inside his church.

Around 2,000 mourners, including members of the local Muslim community and France’s Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, attended the funeral.

Police and undercover officers surrounded the crowds around the Cathedral, wary of further possible terror attacks.

Police closely checked mourners’ bags and backpacks.

“Father Hamel’s death was similar to that of Christ, unjustly convicted and put to death,” the diocese said.

Fr Hamel’s heartbroken sister, Roselyne Hamel, spoke, saying: “He would often ask himself why me? Today, Jacques, our brother, your brother, you have your answer: Our God of love and misery chose you to be at the service of others.”

Father Hamel was to have been buried in a ceremony attended only by close family members, at a location that has not been revealed.