Acting President Nick Smart has commented on the publication of part 1 of the Angiolini Report into the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by an off-duty officer of the Metropolitan Police.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Sarah Everard. What happened to Sarah was horrific, and the fact that she was attacked and killed by a serving police officer is something that will shame our service indefinitely. He should never have been a police officer, and I know that my colleagues who hold the office of constable with pride and professionalism, who put themselves in harms way to protect others, will remain appalled, betrayed, and disgusted over his actions.

“It is right that a report of this kind was commissioned. We simply must understand what went wrong so that the Service as a whole can learn from mistakes, and do everything possible to prevent them from happening again.

“This isn’t just about processes and policies, it’s about our culture, and how it can enable the wrong behaviours to go unchallenged or unnoticed. Our association will read and review the recommendations made today and will do all we can to support national work to embed positive change.”

The report can be viewed here.