British police have charged a London officer with the kidnapping and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week sparked anger and fear among women, Reuters reported.

48-year-old Constable Wayne Couzens, who was involved in the protection of diplomatic buildings, will appear in court today.

Everard disappeared on March 3 while returning home from a friend in south London.

London police have established that the body found in the forest belonged to a missing woman.

Interior Minister Priti Patel said she would do her best to protect women and girls in the aftermath of the violent backlash that followed Everard's disappearance.

“Every woman & girl should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear of harassment, abuse or violence,” she said on Twitter.

However, police have been criticized by organizers of Saturday's planned vigil for Reclaim These Streets near where Everard was last seen after officers said it could not take place due to coronavirus restrictions.

The police released on bail a woman who, according to media reports, was a friend of Couzens and was suspected of complicity in the crime.