'Solidarity' walk in memory of Sarah Everard planned in Watford

Melissa Kerr says she has felt "helpless" in the face of "so much frustration", ever since the news of Miss Everard's death broke this week.

Ms Kerr, who lives near Cassiobury Park, wants to be arrange a walk in the park in memory of Miss Everard, 33, on the evening of June 26, after the coronavirus restrictions are scheduled to be completely eased.

The 31-year-old from Watford paid her respects to Miss Everard yesterday when she and her 25-year-old sister-in-law drove to Clapham Common to lay flowers.

Ms Kerr and her sister-in-law arrived at 5pm and stayed for around 45 minutes and watched as women of all ages - and men - carried and laid flowers around a bandstand.

A sea of flowers in Clapham Common in memory of Sarah Everard. Credit: PA

She said: "For me the most touching and tragic moment we observed was a small child, I assume she was around three or four, walking up to place a single rose. Her mother watched and when she asked why we are laying flowers her mother explained a lady passed away and everyone is very sad about it.

"Sarah’s death has affected so many because her situation is so familiar to us. Any woman could have been Sarah. She did everything we’re told to do to protect ourselves and she was killed. She was walking home.

"I would very much appreciate the support in ensuring an event can go ahead in Cassiobury Park as planned. I would like the women, men and humans of Watford to come together and make an organised but powerful display of solidarity. Ideally, everyone would wear a brightly coloured jacket and shoes as Sarah did.

"I think Watford women will have been affected by Sarah’s story just as much as anywhere else."

Sarah Everard was reported missing on March 3. Family handout of image of Miss Everard. Credit: Met Police

The vigil that took place at Clapham Common yesterday has been overshadowed by clashes between the Met Police and those who attended.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and London mayor Sadiq Khan have both called for an independent investigation into the police’s actions after videos and images showed officers grabbing several women and leading them away in handcuffs.

The Met has confirmed four people were arrested for public order and coronavirus regulation breaches.

Police at the bandstand at Clapham Common on Saturday night. Credit: PA

Crowds at the vigil shine their lights on their mobile phones as clashes broke out. Credit: PA

Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said officers on the ground were faced with a "very difficult decision with hundreds of people were packed tightly together, posing a very real risk of easily transmitting Covid-19".

Speaking about the scenes at Clapham Common yesterday, Ms Kerr said: "The behaviour of the police yesterday was completely out of spirit of the day. And entirely unnecessary. We did not see one violent act from attendees. The tone was sombre and respectful. Would they have acted that way if the Duchess had still been in the crowd?

"Sarah’s body was discovered in a week that started with International Women’s Day and concludes with Mother’s Day. Cressida Dick is the first female Commissioner of the Met. That so many women are now so angry and frustrated at the way the police have continued to let them down, over centuries but in front of the full glare of cameras last night, represents how desperate this situation is."

Crowds in Parliament Square today with more crowds outside New Scotland Yard, the Met's HQ. Credit: PA

A serving Met police officer, Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with the murder and kidnap of Miss Everard, who went missing while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on March 3.

Her body was found hidden in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent, on Wednesday and was formally identified through dental records.