Leicester's Sarah Everard vigil cancelled

Organisers were told they could be fined £10,000

Author: Alex MeakinPublished 12th Mar 2021
Last updated 17th Mar 2021

A vigil for Sarah Everard that had been planned for Leicester City Centre on Saturday has been cancelled by organisers .

Those behind the vigil told Gem that the police had been polite and "supportive on the matter" but, organisers were told, if they continued with the event they could be fined 10,000 pounds, while anyone who attended also faced the chance of a fine under Covid restrictions.

In a statement Leicestershire police said "In ordinary times, our duty would be to allow a gathering of this nature to take place in a peaceful manner. However, under the current national lockdown guidance, such events are not permitted.

"We engaged with the organiser of the vigil on a local level, who has since informed us that the planned event has been cancelled."

"The organiser has listened to and understands our concerns and has informed us the vigil will now take place online. We advise that anyone wishing to take a moment of reflection does so in accordance with the current coronavirus regulations."

The Leicester vigil had been part of action taken place across the country on Saturday. A similar vigil planned for Nottingham is still expected to go ahead.

Sarah Everard went missing last Wednesday when she was walking home, a serving Met Police officer has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

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