Thousands attend vigil for comedian found murdered and raped on soccer field

Thousands of people have gathered at the site where comedian Eurydice Dixon was raped and murdered in Melbourne, with organisers saying vandals won’t detract from the night’s vigil.

It’s estimated that at least 10,000 people have come to the Reclaim Princes Park vigil in Melbourne, while other vigils are being held around the country.

They come five days after Ms Dixon was raped and killed on her way home from a comedy show at the Highlander Bar in the CBD on Tuesday night.

Jessica McBain, 26, from Coburg, said she thought it was important to come together to send a message about violence against women.

“You keep being told what to do, how be safe, but I think at some point there’s always going to be a risk,” she told AAP from the field in Melbourne.

“I think people need to understand that and coming together to say we’re allowed to exist is kind of important to me.”

Offensive markings were found about 3.50am painted on the North Carlton sporting field where flowers and tributes have amassed since the shock attack on the 22-year-old last week.

“It is frustrating that vandals will come and try to make a mess of an important memorial, but thankfully it’s been cleared very quickly,” organiser Tiara Shafiq told AAP on Monday night.

“Were not going to let any vandals try and win this moment … We will stand together regardless.”

Earlier, Victoria Police called those who graffitied the makeshift memorial at the site cowards.

Items were been seized from the scene on Monday and the dog squad went through the area, with the investigation ongoing.