Thousands attend vigils for Ashling Murphy

Thousands of people have attended vigils across the Island of Ireland following the murder of Ashling Murphy.

The 23 year old primary school teacher was killed in a random attack on Wednesday in County Offaly.

She had been out for a run along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore.

Belfast, Derry, Dublin, and Tullamore were among the locations events were held, as crowds came out to pay their respects.

Mourners lit candles, listened to music, read poems, and stood in solidarity to call for improved measures on women’s safety.

Meanwhile, Gardaí say “significant progress” has been made in the investigation.

They won’t say confirm specific details for “operational reasons” though.

The Murphy family is said to be “appreciative and overwhelmed by the national outpouring of support shown to them” and have asked for “privacy, space and time to process Ashling's death.”

An Garda Síochána continue to appeal for information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks.