ARGUS readers are split on whether police acted appropriately at the vigil for Sarah Everard.

About 150 people attended a demonstration on Saturday to lay messages, protest placards, flowers and candles in memory of Sarah Everard in Valley Gardens, Brighton.

Argus readers on social media were asked to give their view on footage from the protest which showed a man being detained by officers for breaching coronavirus regulations.

READ MORE: Woman held down and handcuffed by officers at Sarah Everard vigil

One said: “It’s not the police’s fault. They are given a job to do and given guidance by government. They were simply just doing their job.”

Another said: “I know they are doing a hard job in these demanding and challenging times but show some common sense.”

Footage captured the moment officers held down and handcuffed a woman who was attending the demonstration. Another video shows an officer threatening a woman “lighting a candle for Sarah” with arrest.

Police warned prior to the vigil that they would enforce coronavirus regulations which limit the number of people who can gather.

When asked whether the force acted appropriately, one reader said: “Of course they did. Mass gatherings are illegal in this pandemic.”

“Absolutely. The police are there to enforce the law, which at the moment has clear and simple restrictions on social contact and mass gatherings,” said another.

One reader called for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (SPCC) Katy Bourne to intervene.

They said: “What a stupidly crass action.

“The same officers who allowed a rave at Sussex Uni during lockdown without a single fine and now provide a permanent patrol on campus.

“Katy Bourne you need to step in and step up.”

READ MORE: 'You got it wrong' Sussex Police are told by MPs over Sarah Everard vigil

When contacted by The Argus, SPCC Katy Bourne said we “look at the evidence and the facts before making judgements about the police handling of a sensitive situation”.

She added: “I have been in constant contact with our Chief Constable over the weekend and I have been reassured that, the majority of people who attended the vigils, adhered to the social distancing and gathering rules which have helped drive Covid levels down.

“Throughout this pandemic, Sussex Police’s sympathetic approach has been supported by local people but, where individuals choose not to respect lawful behaviour, officers have a duty to act with discretion and enforce the law if necessary. Out of the hundreds of people who were gathered over the weekend there was just one arrest and eight Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

The Argus:

“All of us (including police officers) are shocked and deeply saddened by Sarah Everard’s death. We all know the harrowing statistics around violence against women and girls and the shocking revelations over the last week have sparked conversations focused on female safety. However, our concern and outrage, no matter how strongly felt, will not protect us from Covid which remains a very real threat to everybody’s safety.

“This Friday, in my regular accountability meeting with Chief Constable Shiner, I will be looking at the policing over the weekend. In particular, I will be asking to hear how various complaints from people attending the vigil are being addressed, including the examination of police body worn video.”