VILLAGERS have raised thousands of pounds for the parents of an Indian sailor who collapsed and died after a race hate gang attack.

Police launched a murder inquiry after Gregory Fernandes was confronted by a group of about 20 youths as he and a friend walked through Fawley last month.

Later it was revealed that his parents are facing a bleak financial future as a result of his death.

The couple, who live in the Indian state of Goa, regarded him as the family breadwinner and depended on the money he sent home.

Now Fawley residents have collected more than £5,600, which will be sent to the family via the Seafarers' Centre in Southampton.

Praying Mr Fernandes's uncle, Father Diogo Fernandes, has returned to the United States after visiting Fawley and praying near the scene of the attack.

Speaking from his home in Florida, he said: "I'm not surprised that Fawley residents have raised so much money - they're that kind of people.

"During my visit many villagers gave me a hug and said they felt really ashamed about what had happened."

Asked about the sailor's parents, Father Fernandes said: "Until his body is laid to rest their pain will never end. People try to console them - but that simply brings them more pain."

Some of the money was raised at the Falcon Hotel, Fawley, where Mr Fernandes had a soft drink just minutes before he was attacked.

Licensee Roger Bray said the main reaction to the sailor's death had been shock and dismay. He added: "We're all ashamed that something like this has happened in our community and decided to do something to help his parents."

The vicar of All Saints Church, Fawley, the Rev Barry James, said he was "encouraged but not surprised" by the size of the collection.

He added: "The money has come from the church community, various shops and individual residents who wanted to make a donation.

"People became aware that Gregory was the sole provider for his parents and other members of his family and wanted to do something to help."

A tree will be planted in memory of Mr Fernandes today in a ceremony involving Mr James and children from Fawley Infant School.

The planting will take place in the village square, near the spot where Mr Fernandes was attacked as he walked back to Fawley oil refinery.

A post mortem proved inconclusive and further tests have been carried out in a bid to establish the cause of death.

Ten teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail, pending further inquiries.