SILENCE descended on a small corner of Liverpool yesterday as the city remembered a three-year-old girl who died after an arson attack at her home.

Francesca Bimpson was taken to St Michael’s Church on West Derby Road, in a white carriage driven by two white horses with head-dresses of pink feathers.

The pink and white wreath on top of the carriage simply said “Princess” next to a pink heart - shaped balloon.

Mourners laid tributes outside the church including a pink Piglet from Winnie the Pooh and angel-shaped wreaths made of white carnations.

Messages on the wreaths, which also included a white arch with white butterflies said “Sleep peacefully baby Francesca” and “God Bless”.

A card from the youngster’s aunts and uncles read: “Goodnight, God Bless our little angel who always made us smile.”

Scores of pink flowers were sent by wellwishers including one bouquet which spelled out simply Francesca.

Her mother Eleanor Skelhorne, 36, and other female mourners wore pink blouses while Francesca’s father, Kieron Bimpson, also 36, wore a pink tie along with the other men in the congregation.

Many mourners also carried single pink carnations in their hands or as corsages.

Mr Bimpson carried his daughter’s pink coffin into the church with his son, also Kieron, 14, as I Closed My Eyes from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was played, one of Francesca’s favourite songs.

A big pink teddybear was also taken in to the church.

During the private service, Fr Arthur Fitzgerald, parish priest of St Michael’s, spoke of Francesca’s cheerful nature, her love of music and the “joy and laughter which she gave to others during her short life”.

Both Mr Bimpson and his son Kieron gave readings to the packed out church.

Francesca’s coffin left St Michael’s to the hymn Do Not Be Afraid and she was buried at a cemetery nearby.