THE Sarah Everard murder investigation is “worrying” but Salisbury is a “friendly” city where women can feel safe at night, according to a member of a local women’s group.

Liz Batten, who helped establish the Salisbury branch of Soroptimist International – a volunteer group campaigning to make things better for women – said the details of Sarah Everard’s disappearance would prompt women to think twice about going out alone as lockdown eases.

But she also said there are organisations to help women feel safe in Salisbury and in her experience the city was "safe", though people needed to keep looking out for each other after the ordeal of the pandemic.

The Sarah Everard case

Sarah, 33, has not been seen since she was reported missing last week, after walking home alone in South London.

A Metropolitan Police officer is being questioned on suspicion of murder and kidnap after human remains were discovered in woodland near Ashford, Kent, on Wednesday (March 10).

The shocking case sparked outrage on social media across the country, with women in particular sharing the extreme measures they often take in order to feel safe at night on their own.

'Incidents are few and far between'

Liz said Sarah’s disappearance is "more shocking as it happened during a lockdown", adding the emptier streets could lead to more risk.

Liz, who has been involved with the city's night-time economy, added: "We feel for her family but we have got to remember this is an isolated incident, Salisbury is a very safe city, incidents are few and far between.

"Now things are easing people are anxious about going out at night, but we can't stay in lockdown forever.

"Salisbury is a safe and friendly city and I find people will always look out for you, I never feel threatened or nervous like in bigger cities."

Where to go for help

Liz said there are schemes in Salisbury to help women feel safe as the night-time economy starts to reopen in the city after lockdown.

She said projects like the Safe Places Scheme, Street Pastors and the Ask for Angela campaign were all in place to offer reassurance.

Although women should not feel like they cannot walk on their own, Liz also said there is "confidence in numbers".

She added: "There are fewer people about at night at the moment; it is about taking more care.

"When things start to open up, there will be people who might feel vulnerable or frightened but we're very lucky to have a safe city.”

'We do want people to get out and about again'

Liz hopes the case won’t put women off getting out and about again in Salisbury, especially after the long confinement of lockdown, which could have had negative mental health effects for many.

Cressida Dick, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, tried to reassure London residents that abductions were rare, even in the capital, after the distressing developments in the Sarah Everard case.

Liz added: “We do want people to get out and about again.

"People will feel vulnerable, some of us haven't been out for a year, so it's important they know there are places to go."

Wiltshire Police was contacted for comment about their reaction to the case and measures to keep people safe at night. The Journal will bring you more from the force in the coming days.

Get more Salisbury news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.