Boris Johnson Says He Is “Shocked And Deeply Saddened” By The Sarah Everard Case
Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer said their thoughts are with Sarah Everards family and friends (Alamy)
3 min read
The Prime Minister has said that his thoughts are with the family and friends of Sarah Everard following reports that a serving Met Police officer has been arrested in connection with the case.
Yesterday evening, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick confirmed that officers investigating the case had “discovered what we believe at this stage to be human remains” in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent.
She added that investigators have not been able to confirm the victim's identity and this "may take some considerable time".
Boris Johnson responded to Everard's disappearance with a statement on Twitter on Thursday.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the developments in the Sarah Everard investigation," he wrote.
“Like the whole country my thoughts are with her family and friends. We must work fast to find all the answers to this horrifying crime.”
Home secretary Priti Patel also said she was “deeply saddened” by the case in a statement on Twitter.
She wrote: “My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Sarah, her family and friends at this unbearable time.”
“Many women have shared their stories and concerns online since Sarah’s disappearance last week.”
“These are so powerful because each and every woman can relate. Every woman should feel safe to walk on our streets without fear of harassment or violence.”
Patel continued: “At this deeply sad and tragic time as we think and pray for Sarah and her family, I will continue through my role to do all I can to protect women and girls from violence and harassment.”
Following the update from the Met Police on Wednesday, Labour leader Keir Starmer described the news as "devastating".
“My thoughts are with Sarah Everard’s family this evening and with all those shaken by this awful news," he wrote on Twitter.
"Women should be able to walk home without fear or threat.”
33-year-old Everard went missing on Wednesday 3 March while walking home from a friend’s house in Clapham, south London.
On Tuesday, Met Police officers arrested a man at an address in Kent in connection with Everard's disappearance.
The man, who is a serving Met Police officer, has been taken into custody at a London police station where he remains.
A woman has also been arrested at the same location on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody.
Following the arrests, Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “This is a significant development in our inquiry. This is a fast moving investigation and we are doing everything we can to find Sarah.
"We have seen an overwhelming response from the public and I repeat my request for anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem."
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