Sarah Everard: Sussex Police warn people not to attend vigil

Protests under the banner “Reclaim these Streets” had been planned for Brighton and Worthing tonight.

Organisers said that streets should be safe for women, regardless of what they wear, what time of the day or night it is, and what they are doing in their life.

Planned demonstrations had been listed for 6pm, but police chiefs have warned them that we remain in a coronavirus public health emergency, and large gatherings of people are banned.

Sussex Police said it recognises the desire for people to make a statement about women’s safety, mourn the death of Sarah Everard, and show respect.

But the force said those who attend a vigil could face arrest if they refuse to leave a gathering when requested by police.

Sarah Everard (inset) disappeared on March 3. Picture issued by Met Police

Vigil organisers said: “We believe that streets should be safe for women, regardless of what you wear, where your life is or what time of day or night it is.

“We shouldn’t have to wear bright colours when we walk home and clutch keys in our fists to feel safe.

“It’s wrong that the response to violence against women requires women to behave differently.

“We’ve all been following the tragic case of Sarah Everard over the last week.

“This is a vigil for Sarah, but also for all women who feel unsafe, who go missing from our streets and face violence every day.”

In response Sussex police said: “We are making this statement following information received nationally that a number of vigils are being planned this weekend in memory of Sarah Everard.

Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Sarah Everard. Senior police say they have been left shocked and disturbed after the arrest of a serving officer in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Issue date: Wednesday March 10, 2021..

“Such incidents are incredibly rare, yet shocking and heart breaking.

“We understand the strength of emotion and know that many of you will be processing what has happened, and may feel worried about your safety.

“The fear of violence, attack or abuse is not something that anyone should experience. Everyone should feel safe to walk our streets.

“We will do what it takes to protect our communities, to protect you and ensure you feel safe in the county you live in.

“Our message to you is if you feel unsafe when out, you’re harassed or if a crime is committed, then please report it to us. We will investigate and do all that we can to bring people to justice.

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“We also recognise the desire to come together at this time, to mourn, show respect and make a statement on the issue of women’s safety.

Flowers from members of the public left near Great Chart Golf and Leisure near Ashford in Kent following the discovery of human remains in the hunt for missing Sarah Everard. The Met Police announced on Wednesday that a diplomatic protection officer held

“We remain, however, firmly in a public health emergency and the Covid-19 regulations continue to disallow large gatherings because of the continued, and very real, risks of the spread of the virus.

“There are no exceptions to this and we will continue to police as we have done throughout the pandemic – engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance with the regulations; enforcing where it is proportionate and necessary to do so.

“For those considering organising or attending a public vigil this weekend, we ask and encourage you to seek alternative ways to remember Sarah in accordance with these regulations.”