PEOPLE have gathered at a park as part of a socially distanced vigil for Sarah Everard and domestic abuse victims.

As many as 100 people from across the city lit candles and held torches as part of the "Ring of Light" vigil tonight.

Attendees mourning the 33-year-old's death began arriving as darkness fell over the city and walked around the ring of The Level about 6.20pm.

It comes after the police's handling of a vigil in London for Sarah Everard over the weekend sparked controversy over how the force has handled the alleged murder.

Jack Watkins was one of the people at the walking vigil in Brighton and said the police response was "heavy-handed".

The Argus: Candles and torches lit up the park Candles and torches lit up the park

The 20-year-old told The Argus: "This issue is raised has been a long time coming I think.

"It is just sad that someone has had to die for it to happen.

"I think the police response has been heavy-handed and massively over-aggressive.

"It shouldn't have been done like that."

The Argus: Jack Watkins was one of the people at the walking vigil in Brighton Jack Watkins was one of the people at the walking vigil in Brighton

Over the weekend, hundreds of people left flowers and tributes to Ms Everard at a tree in Valley Gardens.

One man was arrested on Saturday evening as people gathered to mourn the 33-year-old's death.

Sarah Everard's body was found in Kent last week. The marketing manager from Brixton disappeared on her way home on March 3.

PC Wayne Couzens, 48, from Kent, has been charged with her kidnap and murder.

The Argus: Sarah Furse also took part in the "Ring of Light" vigil Sarah Furse also took part in the "Ring of Light" vigil

Sarah Furse also took part in the "Ring of Light" vigil and said "it was moving" to see so many people join the walk.

She said: "I think it is really important not to be shut down.

"It seems to me that it [the Saturday vigil] turned into a protest due to the police behaviour rather than the people who were attending.

"There should be an inquiry into it.

"It is very moving actually, [to see people here]".

PC Wayne Couzens has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 9.