The Metropolitan Police’s handling of a vigil in south London to mourn Sarah Everard has been widely criticised from across the political spectrum.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to resign over the “utterly disgraceful” scenes and Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked for a report.
Officers were seen handcuffing and leading women away from the event.
Police said four arrests were made at the vigil to “protect people’s safety”.
Several hundred people gathered on Clapham Common on Saturday evening to pay tribute to the 33-year-old – whose death has prompted a public debate over women’s safety – despite Covid restrictions.
The official vigil, which was being organised by Reclaim These Streets, had been called off earlier in the day due to police warnings over coronavirus restrictions.
The group said they were “deeply saddened and angered” by the police’s actions and criticised officers for “physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence”.
“It is their responsibility to protect public order, public health and the right to protest – they failed tonight on all accounts,” the group added in a statement.
The Met said it was the “only responsible thing” for them to do to ensure public safety.
The force added that a review will be carried out to see if “lessons can be learned”.
One video posted online showed officers removing women who were stood in the bandstand.
Cries of “shame on you” and “let them go” could be heard from onlookers. The video showed them being put in a police van and driven away.
Source: BBC News
