Graffiti sprayed across Plymouth's Smeaton's Tower and Charles Cross Police Station

It follows an outdoor vigil for Sarah Everard in south London on Saturday night, which the Metropolitan Police are now facing backlash for after using "heavy-handed" tactics to break it up

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 15th Mar 2021
Last updated 15th Mar 2021

Plymouth's Smeaton's Tower has been graffitied over the weekend.

Someone wrote "end violence against all women", after many Reclaim These Streets events were cancelled on Saturday night due to coronavirus.

The iconic landmark - among many others in the city - were lit up in purple for Sarah Everard and all victims of violence against women.

The local authority say it will be painted over ASAP with specialist paint.

"While we cannot argue with the message - it's a shame they chose to write it there."

Meanwhile, a similar event has happened at Charles Cross Police Station - with graffiti spotted on the side of the building on Sunday (14 March).

The message "every body hates the police" has been sprayed across one of the walls.

Sargeant Joff tweeted about the incident after coming in for a late shift yesterday.

It follows an outdoor vigil in Clapham Common on Saturday night for Sarah Everard.

The 33-year-old's body was found in woodland in Kent, after she went missing in south London while walking home.

Organisers were told they would face COVID-fines if the event went ahead.

At the time Reclaim These Streets said they were "very disappointed", but instead they planned to raise money for women's causes.

People who wanted to attend a vigil were instead encouraged to take part in online and doorstep events instead.

Despite this, many still showed up to pay their respects to Sarah Everard - and the way officers handled those who had gathered has prompted widespread criticism.

Videos shared online from the scene show clashes with the crowd, which has been called "deeply disturbing", "upsetting" and "unacceptable" by politicians of all parties.

The head of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, is facing calls to resign - meanwhile, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has asked for a "full independent investigation" into the police's handling of the event.

The Prime Minister will chair a meeting with senior police officers later.

Boris Johnson will discuss women's safety with the Crime and Justice Taskforce which includes the head of the Metropolitan Force.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.