Sarah Everard: Met Police Officer Taken Off Case After Sharing 'Inappropriate Graphic'

A probationary Metropolitan Police officer has been taken off the Sarah Everard case in Kent after he is reported to have shared an "inappropriate graphic" with his colleagues.

After allegedly posting the graphic via social media on Friday, several officers are said to have been "concerned" at its content.

They refused to give any information about the image, but described it as "unpalatable". The graphic does not contain a photograph of Sarah, or any photographic images at all. It is also not thought to feature any material related to her murder or the investigation he was involved with.

The unnamed police constable, who was working as a cordon officer during the search for Sarah, has now been taken off the case and put in a non-public facing role while enquiries continue, the Met have confirmed.

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The fact the constable was a probationer means he had only started his service with the Met, and had passed rigorous screening, which was meant to ensure he was capable of handling sensitive cases.

Sarah's family have been informed of the incident.

The matter has also been passed on to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will proceed to investigate the officer's conduct in full.

Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: "The MPS expects its officers to behave professionally at all times and this includes how they use social media.

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"I take allegations that any officer or officers have failed to observe these standards very seriously and have referred this matter to the IOPC."

It comes as serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, was recently charged with kidnapping and killing marketing executive Sarah, 33, when she was walking home from a friend's house in the early evening of March 3rd.

Her body was discovered in woodland in Ashford, Kent, a week later, and there has been a national outpouring of grief, heartbreak and anger ever since.

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Couzens will also be at the centre of an investigation by the IOPC, after he sustained serious head injuries while in custody on suspicion of Sarah's murder.

The copper, who was charged with kidnap and murder charges last Friday, sustained head injuries on both the 10th March and the 12th March - being sent to hospital both times.

Topics: UK News, Sarah Everard, News

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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