PROTESTERS took to the streets of Brighton tonight to call for the end of street harassment and sexual assault.

A group of around 100 or more women’s rights activists attended the Reclaim the Night demonstration to march through some of the city centre’s main streets.

Organised by groups including FemRock, a performance and events group for women, and Survivors’ Network, the protest aimed to challenge “rape culture” in the city and further afield.

The activists met at Brighton Station at 6pm to begin their march through the city, followed by speeches at the Old Steine. 

A spokeswoman for Survivors’ Network said: “It has been a very tough few weeks and months and has been very overwhelming.

“It can feel very difficult to know what to do and how to fight back and show the anger we are all feeling inside.

“That is why events like this are amazing, with us walking through the streets as we are allowed to do just to shout about it and feed off each other’s energy, anger and strength at what is going on.”

Protesters of all genders were present for the march, during which they could be heard chanting “yes mean yes and no means no”.

A statement read out at the demo on behalf of Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “I am very much with you all in the spirit of solidarity and stand by your side.

“Together we demand a future where our streets are safe and our basic right to feel safe is not violated and a future where we are all equally able to walk around our communities, day or night, without fear.

“Things are changing. The patriarchy is being smashed and the misogynistic culture that exists all around us...has been further exposed.”

A Facebook event page created for the demo states: “This is a sex-worker inclusive event, and we actively advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work.

“This is also an explicitly transgender inclusive march. 

“Given the chequered history of Reclaim the Night elsewhere in the country, we consider this vital to state clearly, and to do all we can to challenge the worrying rise of so-called radical feminism, that seems in fact rooted in very conservative politics.”

Police officers walked in front of the protesters and were present throughout the rally.

They were briefed to not speak with marchers and to communicate with stewards only.