Investigators looking for the woman found a body in the woods in Kent on Wednesday night, said Nick Ephgrave, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. “I can now confirm it’s Sarah Everard’s body.”
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been arrested on suspicion of the kidnapping and murder of Everard.
“A man remains in custody at a London police station on suspicion of committing those crimes,” Ephgrave said. A post-mortem examination will now be conducted on Everard’s remains.
Everard disappeared on March 3 while walking in Clapham, South London, prompting an extensive police investigation of the area.
Her remains were eventually found more than 50 miles from where she was last seen. A police officer whose “primary role was to patrol uniformed diplomatic buildings” was arrested in Kent on Tuesday evening.
On Friday, Everard’s family described her as a “shining example” who was “kind and strong,” as they called on anyone with information to help detectives.
“Sarah was smart and beautiful – a wonderful daughter and sister. She was kind and thoughtful, caring and trustworthy. She always put others first and had a great sense of humor,” said her family.
On Thursday, the police watchdog said in a statement that it had launched an independent investigation into police action involving the suspect.
“I know the public is hurt and angry about what happened. And those are feelings that I personally share, and I also know my colleagues here at Scotland Yard and the Met stock,” Ephgrave said Friday.
Everard’s disappearance prompted thousands of women to share their own experiences of harassment or bullying while walking alone at night in British cities and around the world.
Many also exchanged notes on the usual precautions they take to try to stay safe when walking alone – expressing anger and frustration that this seems necessary.
“I understand that women in London and the general public, especially those in the area where Sarah was missing, will be concerned and may be afraid,” Ephgrave said Friday, adding that Londoners have seen an increase in the number of officers. the street in the coming days.
A “Reclaim These Streets” wake has been organized via Facebook at 6pm Saturday at Clapham Common, a green space Everard passed around 9pm on her way to her home in Brixton.
It is unclear if the event can go ahead legally, given the current UK Covid-19 restrictions banning public gatherings. The organizers have said the police have turned the position and would not allow it to take place, a move they are challenging in court.