RESIDENTS in a Hampshire village are planning to stage a candlelit vigil in memory of a sailor who died after being attacked by 20 youths.

Indian national Gregory Fernandes and a friend were walking through Fawley last Saturday when they were assaulted in what police are describing as a racially motivated attack.

A passer-by intervened and took Mr Fernandes back to Fawley oil refinery, but he collapsed and died.

Villagers will mark the tragedy by gathering in All Saints Church on Saturday evening for a service led by the Rector of Fawley, the Rev Barry James.

The service will be followed by a procession from the church to The Square, where villagers will light candles in memory of Mr Fernandes.

Mr James said: "Since he died there have been tears and a sense of shock that something like this can happen in a small, sleepy village.

"People feel the need to do something. The service and procession will give them a chance to share their dismay."

Fawley residents have complained about under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in the village and police have promised to mount extra patrols.

Mr James added: "There's certainly some anti-social behaviour in Fawley and on occasions there have been gatherings of young people.

"Since the events of last Saturday I've heard of people feeling uncertain about going out in the evening. I've never felt threatened myself but some people have and that's very sad."