Irish folk/trad band Lynched have issued a statement saying that they are changing their name because of its historical connotations and to protest the 'ongoing systemic persecution and murder of black people in the USA'.

The Dublin four-piece, who formed several years ago and took their name from the surname of brothers Ian and Daragh Lynch, revealed on Twitter that their new name would be 'Lankum' and that they would complete all gigs booked under the 'Lynched' name until February 2017.

"As always, we will continue to stand in firm solidarity with oppressed, marginalised and displaced people, both here in Ireland and internationally," it read.

The band have grown in popularity since the release of their most recent album, 2014's 'Cold Old Fire', and an appearance on Jools Holland in 2015 was a huge success.

Read their full statement below: