Newtown schools reopen as first funerals of shooting victims held

Most children in Newtown returned to classes yesterday for the first time since last week's shooting, but survivors stayed at home and Sandy Hook school remained a crime scene.

In a thin drizzle, yellow school buses once again rolled through the Connecticut town, where 5,400 children are enrolled.

But it was only a small step back towards normality in a town that had been known for a low crime rate and a tight sense of community until last Friday.

Classes began with up to two hours' delay and extra security was posted outside buildings, with a squad car at Newtown Middle School and lines of yellow police tape keeping away journalists at Saint Rose Elementary.

At Hawley school, a couple accompanying their young son held hands and hugged the policeman at the entrance.

Sandy Hook pupils are expected to return to classes later this week in a spare school near Newtown.