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Almost 100 arrests in crackdown on violence against women in wake of Sarah Everard murder

<p>Sarah Everard was murdered while walking home from a friend’s home in Clapham</p> (METROPOLITAN POLICE/AFP via Gett)

Sarah Everard was murdered while walking home from a friend’s home in Clapham

(METROPOLITAN POLICE/AFP via Gett)

Nearly 100 suspects have been arrested during a day of action cracking down on violence against women.

The Met said it was responding to heightened concerns raised in the wake of Sarah Everard’s “tragic and shocking” murder.

Marketing executive Ms Everard, 33, vanished on her walk home from a friend’s flat in Clapham Common, south London on March 3.

Hundreds of officers across every London borough executed arrest warrants, went after wanted offenders and carried out extra reassurance patrols of open spaces yesterday.

Known predatory attackers were also subjected to compliance checks and visits aimed at breaking their cycle of re-offending.

Ninety-nine suspects detained for offences including domestic assault and sexual offences were taken to various police stations.

Domestic violence victims “isolated” during lockdown had suffered in silence at home with their abusers, said Met Commander Catherine Roper.

She added: “It takes a lot of courage to come forward. Every single part of society must make it clear this absolutely intolerable behaviour.

“Violence against women and girls can include coercive behaviour, physical violence, a whole range of behaviours.

“We have listened to our communities and are dedicating extra resources to make London feel safe for everybody. Our view is London is safe.

“If you are worried or have become a victim of any type of abuse or violence, we will take it seriously.”

Officers also visited pubs, venues, cab companies and hotels to educate staff about how they can help keep their customers safe as lockdown further eases next week.

Speaking on LBC, Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick wouldn’t criticise mayor Sadiq Khan who said in March the streets of London are no longer safe for women and girls.

She said: “We don’t always agree.”

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