Post mortem reveals Sarah Everard died from compression of the neck

It has been revealed today that Sarah Everard died from compression of the neck.

Ms Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, went missing after leaving a friend’s house in Clapham Common on her way home to Brixton in March.

Her body was found in woodland in Kent a week after she went missing.

Her cause of death has now been revealed by the police.

A statement from the Met said: “A postmortem examination into the death of Sarah Everard held at the William Harvey hospital in Ashford has given cause of death as compression of the neck.

“Sarah’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Wayne Couzens, 48, a serving Metropolitan police officer from Deal, Kent, has been charged with her kidnap and murder.

A provisional date of October 25 has been set for his trial at the Old Bailey, with a plea hearing to take place on July 9.

A woman in her 30s was also arrested at the same time as Couzens.

In April, the Met said the woman, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the abduction and death of Everard, had had her bail extended until early June.

Everard’s death prompted renewed debate about the harassment, abuse and violence women face in their daily lives, with many sharing their own experiences to highlight their frequency and the lack of action.

Vigils were held across South London in her memory on March 13 with the Metropolitan police heavily criticised for the way they manhandled women who had gathered in Clapham Common to mourn her death.

In a statement after her death, Everard’s family described her as “a shining example to us all” who brought them pride and joy.

“Sarah was bright and beautiful – a wonderful daughter and sister,” they said.

“She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable. She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour.”