Stalking and harassment increased by 15 per cent in Redbridge last year.

There were 1,811 reports of stalking or harassment in Redbridge in the year to September 2020, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

This compares to 1,577 in the borough the year before.

The figure - which does not specify whether the victims and perpetrators were male or female - comes amid growing debate around the safety of women following the death of Sarah Everard.

The body of the 33-year-old marketing executive was discovered in woodland in Kent on Wednesday, March 10.

A Met Police officer who was arrested on suspicion of her murder remains in custody.

The service is to be investigated over its handling of an allegation of indecent exposure against the same officer.

Asst Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said on Friday, March 12: "I know the public feel deeply hurt and angry and I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say we too are horrified.

"I understand women in London and the wider public, particularly those in the area where Sarah went missing, will be worried and may well be feeling frightened.

"Londoners are likely to continue to see extra officers on the streets in the coming days. Our officers are committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe."

Redbridge's 15pc increase in stalking and harassment is the same as that observed in England and Wales.

The ONS expects a change to the way the Home Office counts stalking, harassment, controlling or coercive behaviour since 2018 caused an increase.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says stalking offences account for the increase - from 23,543 offences in 2019 to 64,265 in 2020.

Neighbouring Barking and Dagenham also saw a 15pc rise.

Overall, total recorded crime was down three per cent in Redbridge - with 23,185 reports in 2020 compared to 24,015 in 2019. The figures do not include fraud offences.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales records all types of crimes, including those that might not have been reported to the police.