CARRYING candles and whispering prayers for the family of murdered schoolgirl Mercedez Layne, hundreds walked through the streets of Los Iros during a vigil on Saturday evening, united in grief and asking for more protection of children.

The streets of the community were filled with relatives, friends, residents, concerned citizens and some politicians who paid tribute to a child whose tragic death has left the nation mourning.

Many were dressed in white as they walked together in remembrance of the young life lost too soon.