London: British police say that a body found in a wood outside London was that of Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety.
Everard, 33, disappeared while walking home from a friend’s house in south London last Wednesday and police have arrested a serving officer on suspicion of her kidnap and murder.
Her case has led to an outpouring of personal accounts by women of their own experiences and fears of walking streets alone at night, and a campaign for action to address this.
Speaking outside the London police headquarters on Friday, Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave confirmed a body found two days ago was that of the missing woman.
Police confirmed the remains were those of Sarah Everard.Credit:Metropolitan Police
“I know that the public feel hurt and angry about what has happened, and those are sentiments that I share personally,” Ephgrave said.
“I also recognise the wider concerns that are being raised quite rightly about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country.”
Before the remains were formally identified, Everard’s family had paid tribute to their “beautiful daughter Sarah” and appealed for help to solve “this terrible crime”.
Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said she would do all she could to protect women and girls following the outcry that has followed Everard’s disappearance.
