South Yorkshire Police Federation issues statement on policing protests during pandemic - in wake of concerns over Sarah Everard vigil

Concerns have been voiced by some over the police handling of a vigil on Clapham Common in London last weekend, which was organised after 33-year-old Sarah Everard went missing while walking home from a friend's house on March 3.

The marketing executive’s remains were found in woodland in Kent and Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with kidnap and murder.

Hundreds gathered for the vigil and similar events were planned across the country over the weekend, with Sarah’s death prompting public debate about women's safety.

The Sheffield event was cancelled after organisers were threatened with a £10,000 fine because mass gatherings are currently illegal in the UK due to coronavirus restrictions.

Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has dismissed calls to resign from her post and defended her force's actions at the vigil, which included the handcuffing of some of those at the vigil, who were arrested.

The Met Police branch of the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said: “Damned if we do. Damned if we don’t.

“26 Metropolitan Police officers were assaulted – punched, kicked, spat at – on Saturday in Clapham policing Covid-19 lockdown laws that a democratically elected Government have imposed laws that the Mayor of London has called on us to enforce to keep Londoners safe,” the branch said.

“Now colleagues are being condemned by politicians of all parties - and the media - for doing what we have been asked to do by politicians on behalf of society.

“This is not right or fair. Damned if we do. Damned if we don’t. Are we supposed to enforce Covid-19 Regulations or not?

“Political leaders should be doing much more to support the police officers they have put in this impossible position.

“The thoughts of the Metropolitan Police Federation remain with the family and friends of Sarah Everard.”

Steve Kent, chairman of the South Yorkshire branch of the Federation said: “I and my colleagues in the Police Federation throughout the country have frequently warned and foreseen that the police will end up being blamed and lambasted for either policing the lockdown too leniently or too harshly. Which brings us to where we are today.

“The police in London and across the country are following the legal position as outlined by a democratically elected Parliament and clarified by the High Court and have little choice in enforcing the same Covid guidelines we frequently unfairly get lambasted for not enforcing.

“The politicians in this country need to make themselves aware of all the facts before rushing to judgement and making statements. And attempting to be populist at such a sensitive time. They should instead support the police officers who they have put in this impossible position in the first place.

“The thoughts of all in South Yorkshire Police Federation remain with the family and friends of Sarah Everard.”