Met Police Slammed No More: “Acted Appropriately” at Sarah Everard Vigil
The Metropolitan Police have been cleared after the controversial Clapham Common vigil for Sarah Everard. A detailed review concludes officers behaved professionally and proportionately throughout the event.
Peaceful Start Turns Tense as Crowd Gathers
- Police initially allowed mourners to pay respects peacefully.
- Officers tried to disperse the crowd calmly once social distancing was ignored.
- No heavy-handed tactics were found despite some abuse from attendees.
The vigil, held on March 13th despite COVID-19 restrictions, was meant to honour the memory of marketing executive Sarah Everard, whose body was found a week after she vanished in London.
‘Reclaim These Streets’ had planned a peaceful gathering, but after the official vigil was cancelled, hundreds still showed up, laying flowers and tributes. The Met took a stand-off approach initially, allowing the public space to grieve.
However, just after 6pm, the mood shifted when speakers took to the bandstand, drawing a larger, tightly packed crowd. Social distancing went out the window, and police moved in to manage safety risks.
Clashes and Abuse Mark Evening’s Unrest
Officers spent hours urging the crowd to disperse peacefully. But tensions boiled over. One female officer was punched and called a “disgrace to females” and a “murderer.” Police vehicles were also damaged.
The crowd included activists from the group ‘Sisters Uncut,’ who had called on supporters to bring “flowers, candles, artwork, your sadness, banners, tissues, an umbrella, a face mask, and of course, all your rage.”
Four arrests were made, and reports suggest 26 officers were injured during the disturbance.
Independent Inspection Backs Police Actions
Sir Thomas Winsor, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said:
“My thoughts are with Sarah Everard’s family and friends, who are suffering the most unthinkable pain.
“This rapid inspection shows the Met’s officers acted lawfully, sensitively, and proportionately in a very tough situation, despite severe provocation.”
Matt Parr, lead Inspector, added:
“Condemnation of the Met’s actions was premature and unfair. After reviewing all evidence, we found no sign of heavy-handed policing.
A minute’s silence was held at 6pm. Afterwards, the peaceful vigil became a dense rally. The Met was right to enforce COVID regulations, making serious efforts to encourage dispersal.”
The report aims to restore public confidence in police amid heated debates over women’s safety and pandemic restrictions.
