Hundreds line streets for funeral of dad-of-two, 29, shot dead alongside Kinky Boots star Matt Henry's brother
HUNDREDS of mourners lined the streets for the funeral of a dad shot dead alongside the brother of a West End star.
Around 400 people converged in defiance of lockdown rules as Brian McIntosh, 29, was laid to rest in Birmingham, West Mids, today.
Dad-of-two Mr McIntosh and Will Henry, 31 – brother of award-winning West End actor Matt Henry – were shot dead in Dudley on September 30.
The men were found slumped in a Range Rover parked at an industrial estate.
Hundreds of mourners took part in a funeral procession to St Peter’s church in Bartley Green, behind a bagpipe player and a white horse-drawn carriage
Pictures showed mourners walking side-by-side as the dad's funeral cortege passed by, despite the national lockdown.
One onlooker said: “There were hundreds and hundreds of people following the cortege. Some wore masks, but most didn’t. The roads were gridlocked.
“There was no sign of any distancing. People obviously put saying goodbye to Brian ahead of their own health.
“He was a very popular man. His family are really well-known in South Birmingham – people were desperate to say their farewells.”
There was no sign of any distancing. People obviously put saying goodbye to Brian ahead of their own health.
Under current rules, funerals are restricted to 30 attendees.
Lockdown rules mean an individual can only meet up with one other person outside their household or support bubble outdoors.
Two police officers were seen watching on from a distance.
Around 90 minutes later, after the requiem mass, more officers were seen to arrive.
But no action appeared to be taken.
Mr McIntosh, the director of a waste management firm, was described as a much-loved son, a devoted partner and a doting father to his two sons.
The former heavyweight boxer – who was once lined up to fight world champion Tyson Fury – was also a loving brother to his three sisters and three brothers.
A tribute from his family, released shortly after his death, read: "He was loved dearly by his whole family – nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins.
'DEVASTATED'
"There will be a big hole left in all of our hearts. As a family we are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken."
Mr Henry's brother Matt, 41, who has appeared in Saturday Night Fever, Avenue Q and Kinky Boots on stage in London, was said to be “devastated” by the death.
He watched on as the cortege passed near the house of his mother, Edris.
Mr Henry's family remembered him as a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, partner and friend.
In a tribute, they said: "He was loving and caring and always thought of others before himself.
"He was the light of our lives, his death has left a huge void in our lives. We would like to express our thanks to the kind words and love shown from extended family and friends.”
A skip hire boss is among two men charged over the murders of Mr Henry and Mr McIntosh.
Jonathan Houseman, 32, from Stourbridge, West Mids, was remanded in custody.
Richard Avery, 33, of no fixed address, faces charges of conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice.
West Midlands Police was approached for comment.
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