A vigil due to be held in Liverpool this evening has been cancelled following a consultation with Merseyside Police.
The gathering had been planned memorial of Sarah Everard after she was murdered when walking home alone in South London. However the organiser of the Liverpool Vigil posted an update to social media confirming that the event could not go ahead.
Isabel Burke posted ” I have been in discussion with Merseyside Police over the last 24 hours to try and work out a way for the Liverpool vigil to go ahead safely & legally.
I have now been advised by Merseyside Police that tonights vigil can not go ahead. The intention for this vigial was always for it to be safe, socially-distanced and COVID compliant, in line with the plans of the Clapham group.
Although this decision is disappointing, the police have assured me they will be happy to facilitate a vigil/ protest when it is safe to do so. It is because of this I do not feel tonights vigil can go ahead as planned and I would strongly encourage people not to gather at the Bombed Out Church.”
Isabel noted that a virtual vigil would still be held online and further details would be shared.
Deputy Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, said: “We have been working closely with the organisers of the Reclaim these Streets vigil, which was planned to be held in Liverpool tonight, and they have now agreed to hold the event virtually on social media in line with current legislation to prevent further spread of Coronavirus.
“We would like to thank the organisers for their co-operation and understanding in the last 24 hours.
“We completely understand, that following the murder of Sarah Everard, people across the UK wanted to hold the event in Sarah’s memory, whilst at the same time recognising the dangers faced by women
“We will continue to work with women who are subjected to sexual harassment, or physical, or violent abuse, and our partners, so that we can identify offenders and make the streets safer for women who live and work in our communities.
“We as a society do need to take a strong stance against such attacks on women and we completely understand the concerns of those who support the Reclaim these Streets movement. Women should be empowered to live their lives without fear of sexual objectification, harassment, or physical and mental abuse.