THE actions in handling the weekend Clapham Common vigil highlights the prejudice of Met police officers against women in society and the need for an investigation into this police force.

Major Extinction Rebellion protests and Black Lives Matter protests, which were heavily attended by men and featured destruction and violence, were both handled with a kid glove, hands-off approach. The vigil in remembrance of Sarah Everard, largely attended by women and peaceful, was handled with an Iron Fist, hands-on approach.

Whether it’s police officers within its lower ranks or senior officers in its command structure, the approach taken by the Met smacks of double standards and contempt for women by officers within the force and by extension the Met itself.

Ian Thompson, Spennymoor.