Devonshire Green filled with moving tributes to Sarah Everard after Sheffield vigil banned by police

Flowers and messages paying tribute to Sarah Everard have been laid on Devonshire Green – the site where a Reclaim The Streets vigil was due to take place before it was cancelled after police threatened attendees with fines.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The death of Sarah Everard in London, and the subsequent arrest of serving police officer Wayne Couzens on suspicion of her kidnap and murder – has sparked debate nationwide over the safety of women against the threat of male violence and abuse on the streets.

In the wake of the vigil being called off over fears of fines for breaking social distancing rules, an online event took place on Saturday (March 13) and floral tributes and messages have been left in the city.

Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris EtchellsFlowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells
Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One read: “For Sarah and for all women who have been killed by male violence. You are in our hearts. Rest in power.”

And another said: “How many more deaths will make men question their actions?”

The vigil in Sheffield was one of many planned across the country, however it was called off when police said attendees would be liable to receive fines of up to £10,000 for breaking social distancing rules.

A spokesperson for Reclaim The Streets in Sheffield said: "The fact the police cannot see the legitimate reasons why women need to take a public stand against violence is shameful.”

Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris EtchellsFlowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells
Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Similar protests took place across the UK, with police opting not to intervene and disperse crowds even when social distancing was compromised.

Just the week beforehand, a Sheffield protest over the NHS pay increase in the budget was also cancelled following the same threats from South Yorkshire Police.

Earlier in the year a Black Lives Matter protest in the city was allowed to go ahead.

Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris EtchellsFlowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells
Flowers and messages on Devonshire Green in Sheffield after a Reclaim Sheffield Streets vigil to the tragic disappearance of Sarah Everard was cancelled on Saturday. Picture: Chris Etchells

Labour councillor for Arbourthorne Ben Miskell criticised the cancellation of the Reclaim The Streets protest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “Threatening to fine people who planned to come together in a safe, socially distanced vigil in Sheffield was the wrong approach.

"The sensitivity of the issue should have been respected.”

South Yorkshire Police said they were contacted by the organisers of the BLM protest before it took place, however the organisers of the Reclaim The Streets protest had not been in touch.