Statement following the murder of Sarah Everard

Assistant Chief Constable Rhiannon Kirk, the Constabulary's lead for Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls, has responded to the whole-life sentence given yesterday to Sarah Everard's murderer.

ACC Kirk said: "I would first like to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Sarah Everard.

"The horrors of this case which were revealed over the course of the sentencing hearing for former Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens has shaken us all.

"He was a serving police officer, and his monstrous and sickening actions are a terrible abuse of power and his position.

"As a serving officer, I am deeply disturbed and horrified by what has happened and I fully understand that trust in police will have been deeply shaken as this man has betrayed everything we stand for.

"Across policing we must and will do all we can to make our streets safe for women and girls."

We appreciate there are questions regarding the process of verifying an officer's identity – to help answer these please find some national guidance below:

Police officers always carry identification and can always be asked for verification. They are used to providing that reassurance.

In light of the actions of Wayne Couzens it is right that police officers expect and are tolerant of those who wish to be further reassured. They will want to explain and reassure who they are, what they are doing and why.

Officers have a radio and can provide verification through the Constabulary’s control room and if you feel you are in imminent danger dial 999.