More than 1,000 people attended a candlelight vigil in Dundalk this evening in memory of Yosuke Sasaki who was killed in the town last week.

The 24-year-old from Japan died on Wednesday morning after he was stabbed on Avenue Road.

A statement from his family was read out to the crowd who gathered in the town centre.

They said: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness the people of Ireland have shown.

"When he was alive, our son spoke about the warmth of the people of this town and his love of Dundalk.

"He came to Ireland initially as a language student and only intended a short stay. However, he was touched by the kindness of the Irish people and he decided to work here.

"As a family, we are truly saddened by what has happened, but we hope that this incident will not give Japanese people a bad impression of Ireland.

"Finally, we hope that a tragic event like this one will never happen in this country again."

Vigil in Dundalk for Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki | ダンドーク:ササキ ヨウスケさんの追悼 pic.twitter.com/BDeHMYs0mZ — RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 8, 2018

Work friends of Yosuke attended the vigil along with the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland.

Rev Mark O Hagan, administrator of St Patrick’s parish, Iman Nooh of the Dundalk Islamic Community, and Rev Captain Geoffrey Walmsley were also in attendance.

Cllr John McGahon said the vigil is to show strength, solidarity and unity with his friends in Japan and offer a source of comfort for his family who are grieving in their home town.