The funeral has been held of the American journalist Daniel Pearl, who was murdered in Pakistan earlier this year.

Mr Pearl's remains were buried at a private ceremony on Sunday in the Encino area of Los Angeles, three days after they were returned from Pakistan.

Danny will continue to inspire his family and the millions who were touched by his life and death

Family statement

The 38-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter was kidnapped in January while investigating Muslim militants in Pakistan.

Last month four men were convicted in connection with his death.

"We finally laid to rest our beloved son, husband, brother and father in his home town," Mr Pearl's family said in a prepared statement.

"Danny will continue to inspire his family and the millions of friends and strangers who were touched by his life and death," the statement said.

Forensic tests

Pakistani police believe Mr Pearl was killed within two weeks of being abducted in the city of Karachi.

Mr Pearl's body was found in a shallow grave

His captors filmed his throat being cut and sent the recording to the US consulate on 21 February.

Mr Pearl's torso, head and other body parts were found in a shallow grave on 17 May on the city's outskirts, next to a blood-stained hut.

Four Islamic militants have been convicted of plotting to kidnap and murder the reporter.

The ringleader, British-born Omar Sheikh, was sentenced to death by hanging while his three accomplices were sentenced to life in prison.

All four have lodged appeals which are due to be heard by a court next week.