Thousands of Australians have gathered across the country in memory of Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey, allegedly bashed on his way home from school.

More than 40 events were held across Australia in towns and cities on Wednesday night to mourn the death of the 15-year-old boy.

Cassius died on October 23, 10 days after he was attacked while walking home in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.

Police have charged a 21-year-old man with Master Cassius’s murder, alleging that he attacked Cassius with a metal pole.

Master Cassius’s friends described how the alleged attacker yelled racial slurs at them from a car before emerging with a weapon.

Addressing the vigil in Perth’s city centre, Master Cassius’s mother, Mechelle, spoke of her pain and thanked the country for its support.

“The love, the generosity, the kindness, and the outpouring of tributes across the nation has been so appreciated,” she stated. “I am angry, Cassius’ friends and family are angry, but I don’t want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child. Violence breeds violence. I want calm and peace.’’

Western Australia Police have said they are investigating whether the attack was racially motivated.

Mervyn Eades, an indigenous leader, said Master Cassius’s death had resonated across the country.

“It is a national movement because it’s a child, and we all have children. It hurts, as a community, it hurts,’’ he told News Corp Australia. “We all have children. We all understand what the family and friends are feeling.’’ 

(Xinhua/NAN)