Bobby Brown driven away from Whitney Houston’s funeral service

Whitney Houston’s distraught ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark shortly before the service began.

Bobby Brown was driven away from the service but it is believed he later returned in time for the going-home service.

Last days it has been claimed that Cissy Houston was doing her best to stop Bobby Brown from getting closer to their daughter Bobbi Kristina, for fear it is a ploy to get his hands on Whitney Houston’s fortune.

A source told TMZ.com that friends of the family have contacted Bobby Brown to tell him he’s not welcome at her funeral, and should not increase his part in Bobbi Kristina’s life.

However, a friend of Bobby Brown’s is said to have told TMZ that Bobby is keen to “bury the hatchet for the sake of his daughter”.

Bobby Brown, 43, was cheered by fans as he arrived to the church, but according to a mourner, at the service family became “frustrated” inside.

The woman, who declined to give her name, said that Bobby Brown got agitated at something and walked out with his female companion behind him.

It is unclear whether Bobby Brown had an altercation with one of Whitney Houston’s family members – who are not on good terms with Brown.

The mourner said: “He was frustrated about something, maybe somebody said something to him or he was in a mood, I don’t know, but he came back a little while later.”

Meanwhile, the outspoken Reverend Al Sharpton revealed he had spoken to Bobby Brown in an attempt to calm him down.

Rev. Al Sharpton tweeted: “I am at Whitney’s funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!”

Early reports suggest Bobby Brown, who became divorced from Whitney Houston in 2007, was denied entry to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Shortly after the service began Bobby Brown was seen leaving the church with a grim expression on his face accompanied by a female companion.

They stood outside for a few moments before getting in to a waiting SUV and drove off.

Bobby Brown, who Whitney Houston’s family blamed for her drug addiction, had reportedly been invited after her family put aside their differences and begrudgingly said he could come.

As Bobby Brown was waiting outside the church an unidentified man stood next to him crying uncontrollably.

Bobby Brown himself appeared to be wiping away a tear as he got into his car.