Leeds protest vigil: West Yorkshire Police issue statement over Leeds Sarah Everard vigil and Sisters Uncut protest

The force has issued a statement which has called upon people planning to attend the protest to 'consider the current risk to their own health and think about attending public events at a later date'.

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the protest hereA vigil in memory of Sarah Everard and a protest against a new piece of legislation which is said to give police more powers to stop mass demonstrations will be held in Leeds' Millennium Square on Monday at 5pm.

The 33-year-old woman, originally from York, went missing while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on March 3.

Her body was found hidden in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent, on March 10.

A 48-year-old man who is a serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with kidnap and murder.

West Yorkshire Police condemn violence towards any members of our communities. We understand the genuine safety concerns that women have, concerns which have been amplified following the recent tragic death of Sarah Everard.

Reclaim The Night vigil planned for Leeds on the same night was moved online after organisers said that West Yorkshire Police had warned them they would be fined if women took to the streets for the event.

More than 70,000 joined the online vigil but organisers were left "distressed" after the scenes unfolded in Clapham on the news and social media.

The group is now supporting Sisters Uncut Leeds, Rainbow Junktion and Non-Binary Leeds in hosting a vigil at 5pm in Millennium Square on Monday, March 15.

There, the groups will also protest against the proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Women should always feel safe to walk the streets of West Yorkshire and we remain committed to making the county a safe place to live and work for everyone.

"It is entirely normal that the public wish to express their solidarity and concern in these circumstances.

"However, the threat from Coronavirus remains and any large gathering is a real risk to individuals’ health. Throughout this pandemic, West Yorkshire Police has sought to encourage and explain to the public, in order to keep them safe, rather than move to enforcement. Although that always remains an option where we feel it necessary and appropriate.

"We understand how important the issue of tackling violence against women is and that women want to make their voices heard, but we would ask everyone to consider the current risk to their own health and think about attending public events at a later date, when it is both safe and legal to do so."