Sarah Everard: 'Reclaim these Streets' vigils across West Midlands cancelled

Organisers planned to hold protests in Birmingham and Coventry

Author: Megan JonesPublished 13th Mar 2021
Last updated 13th Mar 2021

A planned vigil for Sarah Everard in South London has been cancelled after talks with the Metropolitan Police.

A High Court judge also refused to intervene in the case after a hearing on Friday.

Here's a statement from the campaign:

Shortly after the announcement about the London event, the 'Reclaim these Streets' vigil's in Birmingham and Coventry for today (13 March) have been cancelled.

The candlelit vigils were planned to highlight the threat of violence woman across the country face when they're walking the streets alone - following the death of Sarah Everard in London.

But, people are being urged to join online events or light a candle on their doorsteps tonight instead.

CCTV of Sarah Everard

A statement on the 'Reclaim These Streets Birmingham' event Facebook page said:

"In the light of the advice to police forces yesterday, West Midlands Police contacted me yesterday to say that the event cannot go ahead. We discussed possibilities, but it was a "no" to anything being organised at this time. Fines and fixed penalties were mentioned. The Victoria Square event this evening has to be cancelled.

"We have some possible courses of action: join the online vigil, join the doorstep vigil. Other ideas to express our grief and outrage are being posted on the Reclaim These Streets page.

"Thank you to everyone who committed to this event and thank you for your determination to end violence against women."

Here's a statement from West Midlands Police:

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