HARLOW Stand up to Racism released the following statement in light of the weekend’s events.

“We wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the brutal murder in the Stow.

If (as has been reported) this was a hate crime, we regret that this is another devastating example of where the politics of hate and division leads.

We are deeply saddened that such an incident could happen in our proud multicultural town. Only last month a Love Harlow Hate Racism rally saw our community stand together against racism and xenophobia in our town.

Such hatred needs to be challenged. We therefore urge the people of Harlow to come together at this time and join our vigil tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:30pm, The Stow. We will show that the people of Harlow will not accept hatred in our town. We will show that the people of Harlow want to live and work in harmony with their neighbours regardless of their race, religion or nationality.”