How protesters are set for Ireland's parliament over Yves Sakila's 'disturbing' death

On Tuesday, dozens of people singing songs and chanting prayers gathered on one of Dublin's busiest shopping streets.

They were gathered near the spot where, four days earlier, 35-year-old Yves Sakila was detained by a number of security guards over an alleged shoplifting incident. The Congolese man died not long after in hospital.

Footage of the incident, circulating on social media, has been described by the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) as "very disturbing" while Irish police are investigating what happened.

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, and other political leaders, have called for a full investigation, with a further protest set to take place outside the Irish parliament on Thursday.

Here's what we know about Yves Sakila, his death and the reaction to date.

Gardaí (Irish police) say they were alerted to an incident after security personnel detained Sakila on Henry Street in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident at about 17:00 local time on Friday.

They said a man in his 80s was seriously injured as the suspect attempted the flee the scene. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is still recovering.

Sakila became unresponsive at the scene and was transported by ambulance to the Mater Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but grew up in Galway and Dublin.

A video of the incident has been circulating online in which it appears a number of security guards restrained the man face down on the ground.

Gardaí told BBC News NI on Wednesday, investigations into "all circumstances" are continuing and there are "no significant updates".

The incident has also been referred to Fiosrú, Ireland's police ombudsman, for investigation.

INAR said the case "appears" to have "hallmarks of a case of excessive use of force".

"The death of a black man in such circumstances is extremely worrying, and we urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate all of the circumstances leading to this man's death, in order to ensure minority ethnic community confidence in the criminal justice system."

The incident happened outside Arnotts, one of Dublin's best-known department stores.

A spokesperson for the retailer said "everyone" at the retailer "is deeply saddened" by his death and extended "heartfelt sympathies" to his family, his friends, and the wider Congolese community in Ireland.

"No loss of life should ever be the outcome of a retail security incident," they said, adding it recognises the "deep hurt and concern this tragedy has caused".

The spokesperson said Arnotts is conducting a "full review" with the security firm that provides security in store.

"Arnotts is actively cooperating with An Garda Síochána in their investigations".

They added that they cannot make any further public comment while the garda investigations remains active and are "committed" to ensuring that the facts are established.

There have been extensive condolences expressed across the political spectrum for Sakila's family.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin (Irish PM) said the case must be thoroughly investigated.

"My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and to the wider Congolese community," he said.

"The situation will have to be thoroughly investigated, and needs to be thoroughly investigated.

"I don't want to prejudice the outcome of that investigation but I think a lot of people are clearly very concerned about what has transpired here."

Irish justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said there must be a "thorough garda investigation".

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns called the social media video "deeply concerning" and said there must be a "full and comprehensive investigation into what happened".

The Congolese community held a vigil on Henry Street on Tuesday afternoon where they sang songs and laid flowers.

A protest is due to take place at the gates of Leinster House on Thursday.

RTÉ reported Laure Zoya, from the Congolese Community in Ireland group, saying how videos and witness testimonies have deeply shocked and traumatised the Congolese, African, and black communities in Ireland and internationally.

"Many people are disturbed by the level of force shown during the restraint and are demanding full clarity regarding the circumstances that led to Mr Sakila becoming unresponsive.

"At this stage, we are calling for a full, transparent, independent, and impartial investigation," they added.

"We believe all available evidence, including CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and videos recorded at the scene, must be preserved and carefully examined by the relevant authorities."

Chris Kibiadi, from Dublin, told RTÉ: "It could happen to me, it could happen to you.

"It's not black or white or anybody, do you know what I mean. We need justice for our brother. I keep saying my brother, because I knew him."