Police hunt for man over indecent exposure at Sarah Everard vigil

Police in Lambeth are investigating after a man exposed himself to a woman on Clapham Common at the same time as a vigil for Sarah Everard

Police are appealing to the public for witnesses following an incident of indecent exposure on Clapham Common on Saturday 13 March around 8pm. 

The incident happened metres from a vigil for 33-year-old Sarah Everard, who was killed after walking home alone in the area.

The police say the indecent exposure suspect is white with grey hair, approximately 50 years old, and stands around 5ft 6inches tall. 

They say he was wearing a red waistcoat or vest over a shirt, and light coloured trousers. 

Detective Constable Luke Flood from the Central South Command Unit 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 get in contact.

“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 with the progress of the investigation.”

The news comes after police on Clapham Common were subjected to fierce criticism for their policing of the vigil on Clapham Common, where they arrested and manhandled mourners - metres from where the indecent exposure happened.

The police are asking the public to contact 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD2602/18Mar if they can assist them with their investigation.

The public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.