UK shocked by the disappearance of a woman on her way home to London

The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said on Thursday that he was “shocked” by the disappearance of a Londoner when she returned home at night, like much of the country where the event unleashed numerous stories from women about the threats they suffer daily.

Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old had been visiting friends in Clapham, south London, and was returning home to Brixton, about a 50-minute walk away, when she disappeared around 9:30 p.m. on March 3.

An agent in his 40s from an elite London police unit tasked with protecting diplomatic missions was arrested on charges of murder. Later, human remains were found that the police are investigating.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the evolution of the research on Sarah Everard”, tweeted Johnson. “We must work quickly to find all the answers to this horrible crime.” He added.

Arrested Tuesday night, the police officer charged with murder is also suspected of other acts of sexual exposure. A woman in her 30s was also arrested as an alleged accomplice.

After the disappearance of Everard, the police launched a major search operation.

The human remains were found near the town of Ashford, southeast London, Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick said Wednesday. But the police are currently not “in a position” to identify them, “he said, specifying that” it could take a considerable time.

The disappearance and subsequent search for the young woman have shocked many women who felt identified with her.

“Many women have shared their stories and concerns online since Sarah’s disappearance. They are so powerful because all women can identify with them”, Interior Minister Priti Patel said on Twitter.

“All women should feel safe walking through our streets without fear of being attacked or mistreated” she added.

According to a YouGov survey for UN Women UK, 80% of women of all ages report having been harassed in public places, and 97% of women aged 18-24 report having been sexually harassed.