Sarah Everard: ‘We miss her all the time’ - moving tribute from murdered woman’s family

The family of Sarah Everard, who was kidnapped a year ago today by a serving Metropolitan Police officer, have told how they miss their “wonderful” daughter and sister “all the time”.

The 33-year-old marketing executive was tricked into complying with a false arrest by armed officer Wayne Couzens in the evening of March 3, 2021, while walking home to Brixton from a friend’s in Clapham.

On the anniversary of her death, Ms Everard’s family have paid tribute to her, saying: “It is a year since Sarah died and we remember her today, as every day, with all our love.

“Our lives have changed forever and we live with the sadness of our loss. Sarah was wonderful and we miss her all the time.

"Over the past year we have been overwhelmed with the kindness shown to us, not just by family and friends, but by the wider public.

“We are immensely grateful to everyone for their support, it has meant such a lot to us and has comforted us through this terrible time.”

Couzens used his handcuffs and warrant card to snatch her from the streets and went on to strangle her with his police belt in the early hours of March 4.

After a desperate search, police tragically discovered her remains in Ashford, Kent, and Couzens was arrested and convicted of her kidnap, rape and murder.

He will spend the rest of his life in prison.

In a statement released by the Met Police, on behalf of the Everard family, Sarah’s parents and sister said: "Sadly, Sarah is not the only woman to have lost her life recently in violent circumstances and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to other families who are also grieving."

While the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My thoughts today are with Sarah Everard’s family, friends and all those who knew her.

“Today we remember the young woman that Sarah was, and the life that she lived.

“She was a vibrant, talented, intelligent young woman, who was loved deeply by her family and friends.”

He added: “Sarah’s murder left the nation in shock, and sparked a national outcry about the way our society treats women and girls.

“I am clear, we cannot simply respond to male violence against women and girls – we must prevent it.

“I want every woman and girl to be safe, and to feel safe – whatever the time of day and wherever they are in the capital.

“I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that ending violence against women and girls is treated with the utmost urgency both by our police, and society as a whole.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Sarah Everard’s family and loved ones.

“One year on we remain deeply disgusted and shamed that a Met Police officer was responsible for Sarah’s appalling murder.”