Residents intending to join a vigil in Walthamstow following the killing of Sarah Everard have been warned they face fines for breaching Covid rules.
Organisers of the main vigil in Clapham Common have can cancelled the event after a High Court judge refused to intervene on behalf of the group in a legal challenge over the right to gather for a protest during coronavirus restrictions.
Reclaim These Streets had been planning to host a demonstration on Clapham Common in south London on Saturday, near to where 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose body was formally identified on Friday, went missing.
A similar event had been planned in Walthamstow Town Square, with more than 200 people signing up to the vigil on Facebook.
However, the Met Police have urged demonstrators to stay at home.
Commander Catherine Roper, the Met’s lead for community engagement, said: “No woman in London should be unsafe on London’s streets and I understand the strength of feeling that has grown following Sarah’s disappearance. As a woman and a police officer, I want nothing more than for women to feel safe and protected by the police.
“But we need to be clear. Our city is still in a battle with Covid-19 with people continuing to be infected and sadly losing their lives. Only a few weeks ago our NHS was at breaking point, we cannot risk undoing all the hard work to reduce the infection rate.
“Today’s ruling in the High Court has confirmed that the Metropolitan Police may conclude that attendance at a large gathering could be unlawful. In light of this ruling, our message to those who were looking to attend vigils in London this weekend, including at Clapham Common, is stay at home or find a lawful and safer way to express your views.”
A serving police constable was charged last night with the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard.
Wayne Couzens, 48, is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today (Saturday, March 13).
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