A VIGIL in memory of Sarah Everard will be held online tonight after organisers dropped plans for a gathering in Durham “with a very heavy heart”.

There had been plans to hold an ‘in person’ event to pay tribute to the former Durham University student but, following police advice, it has been changed to an online event.

Instead, an online event called Durham Reclaim The Night from 6pm to 8pm, will feature guest speakers, signs and pictures of participants shared on social media to show their solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

The Northern Echo:

On Facebook, organisers said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the in-person vigil.

“Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of everyone involved in organising as safe and respectful event as possible, the MET police have banned all vigils from taking place.

“We are incredibly sorry for the inevitable disappointment you must all feel.

“Know that we will still honour Sarah’s memory as best we can and pay tribute to the many nameless victims and survivors of gender based violence.

“If this vigil has shown anything, it is that this community will always come together in times of need.

“May we all continue to support one another and fight for each other.

“Rest in Peace, Sarah.”

Marketing executive Ms Everard, from York, had been missing since Wednesday, March 3 after leaving a friend's house in Clapham to walk to her home in Brixton.

Her remains were later found in woodland in Kent and Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has since been charged with the 33-year-old's kidnap and murder.

Durham Womxn’s Association and The Feminists of Durham University are hosting tonight’s online event along with Not on My Campus UK, It’s NOT OK Durham, Durham Intersectional Feminism Society, and Durham University Amnesty International.

The decision to cancel the Durham event was made as ugly scenes unfolded at a vigil in London on Saturday, when police officers clashed with crowds at Clapham Common.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the Government’s Crime and Justice Taskforce today to discuss ways to protect women and girls from violence.

The head of the Met police Dame Cressida Dick – who has resisted calls to quit over the events – will also attend.

Details of tonight's event are here