'Nothing has changed and we're still scared': Leeds women speak out a year on from horrific Sarah Everard murder

A year on from the tragic death of Sarah Everard, young women in Leeds feel "more scared" than ever before.

On March 3, 2021, the 33-year-old was walking home to her flat in London when she was stopped by a serving police officer.

The officer handcuffed her, kidnapped her, raped her, then murdered her. Her body was found seven days later.

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Following her death women across the UK vowed to fight for their safety - hosting vigils and campaigns, which felt like a turning point for the future for women simply walking home alone.

Sadly at the time, a Yorkshire policeman caused outrage after he said women need to be "streetwise", and learn about the legal process.

Philip Allott has published an open letter saying he would do "the honourable thing" and resign to restore trust in the position of police and crime commissioner, and allow victims' voices to be heard.

Sarah Everard was walking home to her flat when she was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a police officer (PA Media)

But since then, the number of women being killed is higher - at least 125 women were killed in the last two years.

It has left many young women in West Yorkshire wondering what has changed.

We spoke to a number of young women who study, live, and work in the city centre of Leeds who have shared their safety concerns.

'I still feel unsafe'

Leyla, who lives and works in the centre of Leeds, says her friends worry about her when she walks home from her late at night from the pub she works at (Sam Teesdale)

Leyla, who does night shifts in a pub, said: "Since she [Sarah Everard] died I don't feel like there's been that much of a change in my personal safety.

"I work at a pub so I have to walk home in the dark every night and my colleagues will be like, 'text me when you're home', because it is quite a stressful walk home.

"In the past, I have pretended I am on the phone - I always take my own measures.

"I still feel unsafe, to be honest."

'I feel more scared one year on'

Student Imogen has become more fearful for her safety in the wake of Sarah Everard's death (Sam Teesdale)

Imogen, who is a student in the city, said: "At night specifically I feel more unsafe, and to be honest it's not even just Leeds specifically it's anywhere in the UK.

"If anything I feel more scared one year on - there's more fear because it's been highlighted so our fears have been heightened compared to before.

"I definitely take measures when I walk home - I get my keys in my hands, if I get in the car I check it is locked straight away, if I have my phone I set tracking so people can see where I am, and always staying in communication with friends."

Students only feel safe on university grounds

Leeds students confess they feel safe on campus when protected by security, but feel less safe when walking home, or going on nights out (Sam Teesdale)

Best friends and University of Leeds students Izzy and Nia revealed they are concerned for their safety - particularly when going out at night.

Izzy said: "I feel safe at uni because it is all protected with security, but around Hyde Park area - absolutely not.

"In Leeds, we need more lighting on the streets and more police around.

Nia said: "I don't feel safe. When we walk home from nights out we're scared.

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"I can't see any noticeable changes a year on."

While Alice, who lives near Hyde Park, said: "I think more definitely needs to be done. I don't really feel like anything has changed a year on in terms of personal safety.

"I feel safe nearer to uni but when you go deeper into to Hyde Park I definitely don't feel safe. I feel safest walking with friends."

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