Close friends and family are preparing for the private funeral of singer Amy Winehouse later today.

The funeral will take place at a Jewish synagogue but the exact location and time have not been made public.

Winehouse, 27, was found dead in her home in Camden, north London, on Saturday. Despite her lengthy battle with drug and alcohol addictions her death has still come as a shock to many who knew her.

Her family and on-off boyfriend, Reg Traviss, were tearful yesterday as they visited a makeshift memorial that has sprung up outside her home.

Grief-stricken father, Mitch Winehouse, and mother, Janis, stood arm in arm as they looked at the scores of notes, soft toys, candles and flowers left by fans in Camden Square.

Brother Alex, who was also there, consoled his father as he broke down at the touching tributes left to his daughter.

Mitch spent time speaking to fans and members of the press gathered at the site.

He told reporters: “I know you’ve got a job to do. I’m glad you’re all here anyway.

“And you people in the street. I can’t tell you want this means to us – it really is making this a lot easier for us.”

Close friend Kelly Osbourne struggled was seen choking back tears as she touched down in the UK to attend Winehouse’s funeral.

A post-mortem was held on Monday but the cause of death has not yet been established.