Memorial site for slain comedian Eurydice Dixon vandalised with 'vile and offensive' symbol

Vandals have defaced a memorial for murdered woman Eurydice Dixon with a “vile and offensive” symbol overnight as thousands prepare to mourn her at a vigil.

The 22-year-old was walking home after performing at the Highlander Bar in the CBD when she was raped and murdered.

Her body was discovered at Princes Park in Carlton North about 3am on Wednesday. Broadmeadows 19-year-old Jaymes Todd has been charged over the attack.

A team of firefighters worked urgently on Monday morning with high-pressure hoses to remove the graffiti marked on the soccer field, five days after the Ms Dixon’s body was discovered there.

Someone has painted a 20 to 25m shape overnight, described by Sunrise as “vile and offensive”, next to Ms Dixon’s floral tribute, discovered during routine police patrols about 3.50am Monday.

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Fire crews worked to remove the symbol before the sun came up as it is sure to anger many.

A number of items were seized from the scene and the dog squad has been through the area, with the investigation ongoing.

Vigil organiser, Megan Bridger-Darling was at a loss for words.

“There is a level of anger … in this city already. And for this to happen, on the day of her memorial, is absolutely galling, and insulting and deeply, deeply offensive,” she said.

Victorian senator Derryn Hinch said the vandalism was “obscene on so many different levels”.

“Whoever did it, I hope they are found, identified, caught, charged and sent to jail. I really feel that,” he told Seven Network.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said whoever did it is an “idiot”.

“So much so, they will be bragging to their mates about it. Only morons behave like this. Responsibility needs to be taken and needs to be called out,” she told the Seven Network.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.

The disgraceful act comes hours before thousands of people will gather at the site to pay their respects to the young woman at a candlelight vigil in her honour.

More than 30,000 people on Facebook had clicked that they are either interested in or would be attending the event. The idea of the vigil is that everyone should be able to walk safely around the city.

Premier Daniel Andrews will meet with other leaders and police today to discuss sweeping changes to the city’s security, including boosting CCTV, police patrols, and lighting in the wake of Ms Dixon’s death.

Vigils to be held at Princes Park today

Thousands of men and women will hold vigils across the country for Eurydice Dixon, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger about violence against women.

“We all should be able to walk home, whenever we want, wherever we want, and assume we will make it home safe,” the organisers of Monday night’s Reclaim Princes Park vigil said on Facebook.

“Our bodies are not there for taking. It is not up to us to keep ourselves safe when we know it’s up to men to choose not to inflict violence upon us.”

Vigils are expected in Melbourne and regional Victoria, as well as Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Launceston on Monday.

The City of Melbourne, state government and police are expected to meet on Monday to discuss community safety following the incident.

“This is a tragic reminder, if we needed any reminding, that violence against women is still a feature of contemporary Victorian society. We shouldn’t settle for that,” Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Sunday.