Hindley's family stays away from cremation

The family of Myra Hindley stayed away from her cremation last night as her coffin was greeted by tight security, pouring rain and a dozen people to mark her passing.

Police officers and journalists were the only people present as the hearse drove up to the crematorium on the outskirts of Cambridge for the private ceremony.

Her coffin was adorned with three floral tributes, with a fourth arrangement next to the hearse. The tributes will be destroyed, although cards were kept to be given to her family. The only sign of protest was a large, white handwritten sign which read: "Burn in hell."

It was left by a middle-aged woman just before the hearse arrived for the 20-minute service.

Hindley, who died at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds on Friday, requested that Adagio for Strings by Italian composer Albinoni be played. She also asked that a mass be offered for the repose of her soul.

The mourners included a representative of the prison service who was given Hindley's ashes. They will be disposed of at a private location in accordance with her family's wishes.

Hindley's solicitor Andrew McCooey was also believed to be at the service, conducted by Catholic priest Father Michael Teader. The mourners arrived shortly before the hearse – which was flanked by a police convoy – and entered the crematorium through a side door. They all left after the service without comment.

Superintendent John Raine said the service went ahead without any problems. "A few cars driving past on the A14 either tooted or shouted but apart from that there were no problems. We have not been expecting any problems but we were aware some people might want to voice their disapproval," he said. "We were here to allow the service to be conducted in a dignified fashion."

Hindley was jailed for life at Chester Assizes in 1966 for murdering Lesley Ann Downey, 10, and Edward Evans, 17.