BREAKING: Police did NOT ‘act inappropriately’ and were not ‘heavy-handed’ at Sarah Everard vigil on Clapham Common, official review says
Police did NOT ‘act inappropriately’ and were not ‘heavy-handed’ at Sarah Everard vigil on Clapham Common, official review says.
The review by the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor found that the Metropolitan Police was justified in adopting the view the risks of transmitting COVID-19 at the vigil were too great to ignore when planning for and policing the event.
But Sir Thomas’s probe on behalf of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services did criticise communication between police commanders about changing events on the ground.
The review came after the vigil descended into chaos with scenes unfolding showing officers restraining women at the gathering.
Sir Thomas appeared to largely absolve them of any blame, adding: ‘My thoughts are with Sarah Everard’s family and friends, who are suffering the most unthinkable pain.
‘The commissions I received from the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London to inspect the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the vigil for Sarah Everard on Clapham Common have been fulfilled. This has been a rapid but detailed inspection.
‘Public confidence in the police is critical. It is therefore important that there has been an independent, objective, evidence-based inspection to provide public reassurance, which we provide today.
‘Our civilian police model is precious. Officers are our fellow citizens, invested by the community to keep the community safe. They rely upon and are entitled to receive public support when they act lawfully, sensitively and proportionately; in this case, in the face of severe provocation and in very difficult circumstances, they did just that.
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