'Nothing will stop us protecting the public', vows Northamptonshire's Chief Constable in wake of Sarah Everard murder

"I feel sick in my stomach at the news of Sarah’s death .. As father of two girls, this fear is real," says Nick Adderley
A woman is arrested during Saturday night's vigil for murdered Sarah Everard. Photo Getty ImagesA woman is arrested during Saturday night's vigil for murdered Sarah Everard. Photo Getty Images
A woman is arrested during Saturday night's vigil for murdered Sarah Everard. Photo Getty Images

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable says attacks on the police will not stop him or thousands of other officers from doing all they can to protect the public.

A Metropolitan Police officer appeared in court at the weekend charged with the alleged kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance on a walk home reignited a national outcry over women's safety.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nick Adderley tweeted last night: "I know that I feel sick in my stomach at the news of Sarah’s death and that the placard I saw one lady holding has really played on my mind.

Chief Constable Nick AdderleyChief Constable Nick Adderley
Chief Constable Nick Adderley

"It simply said 'all she wanted to do was to go home'. I know, that as a father of two girls, that this fear is real."

Video of police using force to break up a vigil being held in her memory on Clapham Common on Saturday has sparked even more outrage against the police.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is "deeply concerned" by images of officers pinning women to the ground and handcuffing them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has dismissed calls for her resign and defended the force's actions, hitting out at "armchair" critics.

Today's national headlines in the wake of Saturday's shocking scenes.Photos: Getty ImagesToday's national headlines in the wake of Saturday's shocking scenes.Photos: Getty Images
Today's national headlines in the wake of Saturday's shocking scenes.Photos: Getty Images

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Nick Adderley did not address the Met's handling of the vigil last night but insisted he was sure officers will "stop at nothing" to get justice for Sarah and for the many women who walk the streets in fear.

He said: "Albert Einstein once said, “The more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know”.

"Without judgment or prejudice, let me tell you what I do know: I know that Sarah Everard did not deserve to die and that her death has shocked the nation....

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I know that the vast majority of police officers come to work to protect and help others, no matter their social standing, wealth or perceived influence. I know that police officers are devastated at the loss of Sarah and that for many this will be pivotal moment in their careers

"I know that women deserve to feel safe, protected, taken seriously and given the best protection possible, be that through the criminal justice system or through an early intervention process. I know that this is not something the police alone can solve.

"I know that I feel sick in my stomach at the news of Sarah’s death and that the placard I saw one lady holding has really played on my mind.. It simply said “all she wanted to do was to go home”. I know, that as a father of two girls, that this fear is real.

"I know that the Metropolitan Police will stop at nothing to legitimately secure the evidence necessary to get justice for Sarah, her family and for the many women who walk the streets in fear.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Sadly I know that some will jump on this thread and use it as vehicle for hate and as an opportunity to point score, deflecting from the real issue here.

"I know that those who do, will never detract me or thousands of other police officers from doing all we can to protect others."

Campaigners Reclaim these Streets abandoned plans to stage vigils in towns and cities across the country because they did not want organisers to be hit with £10,000 fines for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

But thousands still turned up and more demonstrators gathered outside the Met's HQ at Scotland Yard yesterday protesting against police and for the right of women to feel safe on the streets.

The Met said four people were arrested for public order and Covid-19 regulation breaches on Saturday while 26 of its officers were punched, kicked or spat at during the clashes.