A CROWD gathered in the city centre in solidarity with the family and friends of an Irish primary school teacher who was murdered as she went for an afternoon run.
People lit candles and stood in silent tribute at The Level in Brighton in memory of Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old’s death in Tullamore, Co Offaly, earlier this week has sparked outrage well beyond the island of Ireland.
The vigil took place at 5.30pm – around the time at which police said the fatal assault occurred on the banks of the Grand Canal in the Irish town last Wednesday.
A steady stream of people laid flowers and candles as darkness fell.
Traditional music was played in honour of Ms Murphy, a talented fiddle player, while the crowd stood in silence.
Organiser Aisling Murray, 27, said people had come together in solidarity with those who knew and loved Ms Murphy “and all the women across the world who were angered and upset by her death.
She told The Argus: “The Irish community in Brighton is very tight-knit and it just felt right that we did something to mark Ashling’s death, which has been affecting their families and friends back home.
“But also, as a woman, I think it’s very important that we come together and grieve collectively and really reflect on why violence against women happens.”
A statement read out on behalf of Lloyd Russell Moyle, MP for Kemptown called for people to commit to tackling violence and misogyny “in all its forms”.
The statement said: “Thank you for coming out today to pay your respects to Ashling Murphy, who was killed while out jogging on Wednesday.
“The ownness should not be on women to keep themselves safe. Everyone should be able to leave their homes without fear of not getting back safely.
“Radical reform is needed to tackle gendered violence. Too many women have experienced harassment and violence.
“My thoughts are with them, the family of Ashling, the families of everyone who didn’t make it home and all the brave people who continue to stand up and talk about violence against women.
“While tonight we mourn and remember the loss of Ashling, we must also make a commitment to tackle misogyny in all its forms.”
Irish police are continuing to question two men in the investigation into the murder of Ms Murphy.
Last year in London, people gathered in memory of marketing executive Sarah Everard and school teacher Sabina Nessa – two women who were fatally attacked while out walking in London.
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