THE parents of murdered Southampton student Hannah Foster have said public support will help them get through today's funeral service for their beloved daughter.

Hundreds of mourners were expected at Highfield Church, Portswood, for a service of thanksgiving for the tragic 17-year-old, who was found raped and strangled just under a month ago.

In a statement, Hilary and Trevor Foster, who have set up a memorial fund for Hannah, said: "Today family and friends are joining together to give thanks for the life of Hannah.

"Nothing can bring our beautiful daughter back to us, and today will not be easy for any of us, but we will find strength in each other in the continued support given to us by members of the community in Southampton and beyond."

They added: "We thank the media for their on-going assistance in publicising the police inquiry, and ask that you please respect our privacy inside the church and at the private cremation service later today.

"Please bear in mind that this is one of the most difficult days of our lives."

The couple were expected to attend the funeral service with their younger daughter, Sarah, 14.

Places have been reserved in the church for 240 invited guests, including dozens of Hannah's family members, friends and police officers working on the murder inquiry.

A video-link system will screen the service into the adjacent church centre for mourners unable to find seats.

The service conducted by Highfield vicar Rev Graham Archer was expected to draw intense media coverage.

Organisers were planning to install loud-speakers to relay the service to reporters and well-wishers gathered outside.

The service was including tributes by two of Hannah's former teachers and poems written by two of her closest friends.

Meanwhile, pupils at Cantell School in Bassett were releasing 200 white balloons at 11am for Hannah.

The teenager, who planned to become a doctor, had attended Cantell School before studying A-levels at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh.

Hannah had been with friends at pubs in Bevois Valley before she was abducted on the short walk home on Friday, March 14.

Her body was found two days later, dumped in Allington Lane, West End. Detectives then launched a massive murder hunt codenamed Operation Springfield.

Hampshire police today confirmed an arrest warrant and associated documentation had now been sent to authorities in India, where their prime suspect is known to have fled on March 18.

A team of six detectives is on stand-by to fly to the Punjab once he has been detained.