Hundreds of people are expected to attend Carl Davies’ funeral next week.

The former teacher’s parents, Andy and Maria, said they had decided to hold an open funeral and anyone who knew Carl is welcome to attend.

The service will be held at the Garden of England crematorium, Sheppey Way, Bobbing, at 3pm on Tuesday .

Carl’s sister Kerrie Stewart said: “We want to give my brother the send-off he so thoroughly deserves.

“We want to say a heartfelt thank-you to everyone for their support at what continues to be a horrendous time.

“We’re devastated but we are bearing up.”

It had been reported the former Isle of Sheppey Academy and Sittingbourne Community College teacher had died after falling into a ravine on the south Indian island of Reunion on November 9.

A week later, a second post mortem revealed the 33-year-old had been stabbed in the stomach and struck about the head.

The ex-Royal Marine, who lived in Harrier Drive, Sittingbourne, had begun work as a security consultant on the ship Atlantic Trader at the beginning of November, providing the vessel with protection against piracy.

It is believed the Iraq veteran had been drinking with two shipmates in the town of Saint-Denis.

He then left the men in search of a taxi back to the port and ship some time before midnight.

His body was found the next day in what appears to be a storm drain.

A murder hunt was launched after Reunion Island police ruled out theft as a motive as Mr Davies still had his mobile phone and money on him.

A home office pathologist took Carl’s body when it arrived in England on Thursday.

A third post mortem was carried out on Monday and an inquest into his death was expected to be opened and adjourned on Wednesday.

Kerrie added: “It’s every person’s worse nightmare.

“The authorities have been in contact and an investigation is under way but we know nothing more than that.

“No matter what time of year this would have been difficult but it makes it that little more traumatic when his funeral is just 12 days before Christmas.”