Sarah Everard: Met Police feel 'betrayed' says Sir Stephen House

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The event on Clapham Common, south London, last Saturday night was controversially broken up by police who were condemned for being heavy handed. The victim of the indecent exposure was walking along a main road about 200 yards from the crowds. ScotlandYard said at about 8pm “a woman was walking on Clapham Common Southside, close to the junction with Windmill Drive, when she witnessed a man expose himself”. It emerged the victim tried to report the crime to officers at the scene.

However she was unhappy with the response and complained to police chiefs. The matter was later resolved “to the satisfaction of the complainant”, the Yard said.

Officers have appealed for witnesses and said the “flasher” may have exposed himself to other women that evening who have yet to come forward.

He is white, aged about 50, around 5ft 6ins tall with grey hair. He wore a red waistcoat or vest over a shirt and had light-coloured trousers.

Detective Constable Luke Flood said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and can help identify the man involved to contact police.

“Clapham Common was extremely busy on Saturday evening with people who had attended the vigil – many people would have been filming or taking pictures. I would ask anyone to check any material they captured and see if they can identify the man described.

“We also cannot discount that there may have been other instances of this nature in and around the Clapham Common area so I would urge anyone who has witnessed to get in contact.”

DC Flood added: “An incident of indecent exposure can be an extremely distressing offence for those who witness it and it is one police take very seriously. Officers have spoken to the woman to offer her support and ensure she is kept updated.”

The suspect made off after the incident. Police are examining CCTV in the area to trace his movements.

It is not known if he had been mingling with the crowds at the vigil.

The Duchess of Cambridge was among thousands of women who went to Clapham Common earlier last Saturday.

Police chiefs said people who attended the event during the day complied with Covid-19 laws or did their best not to breach them. 

• Anyone with information about the flashing incident is urged to call police on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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