‘Educate your sons': New signs protesting violence against women appear in Sheffield

One of the activists, Sian Moxon, said the murder of the 33-year-old marketing executive earlier this month has "opened up a can of worms" on sexual harassment issues affecting women.

Frustrated that the vigil to mourn the tragic death in the city got cancelled, the 29-year-old restaurant manager said the signs aimed to make people "uncomfortable".

She explained: "There's so much going on in London and across England. We can't be included because we are not allowed to travel at the minute, so I thought we had to do something instead of just sitting doing nothing.

"It's tragic about Sarah Everard - no one is taking that away from her but this is about all women, this is a bigger picture.

CRIME: Shock figures reveal women and girls as young as 14 killed by men in South Yorkshire

"We need to make people more uncomfortable because the more uncomfortable people feel, the more annoyed they are, the better. Because you can't go wanting change if you sit in your comfort zone."

She said they decided to "take it to the streets", despite knowing there's a risk of the signs being taken down by authorities.

But relentless Sian said: "We will just keep doing it. I don't want people to lose the momentum, I want them to continue. If this goes quiet, then they win again."

Sian also criticised the Crime Bill proposed by the Government, which includes safety measures to improve safety for women and girls in England and Wales.

But in an ideal world, Sarah said it's ridiculous, adding: "It's not about law. I support any sort of reform but it's about a change of attitude.

CRIME: South Yorkshire police boss concerned over 'pressure cooker' effect of lockdown and what will happen next

"The behaviour is so intertwined into society via the patriarchy and it's about changing the root of the problem from within."

Sarah Everard went missing while walking home from a friend's house on March 3. Her body was later found in woodland in Kent.

Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with kidnap and murder.

Her tragic death had triggered a nationwide protest and led to a wave of accounts from women about dangers of walking alone at night and their frustration at the police and wider society in tackling this issue.

CRIME: Shameless Sheffield woman lived life of luxury after stealing £500k from struggling employer over seven years

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.