Undercover police are set to be deployed in bars across the UK as part of measures to help keep women safe.
The move was announced following a meeting of the government's Crime and Justice Taskforce, which was chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
It will see uniformed and plain clothes officers tasked with finding predatory and suspicious offenders in the night time economy.
Advert
The initiative has been dubbed 'Project Vigilant', and will see cops deployed in areas around bars and clubs alongside increased police patrols at closing time.
The scheme was actually first launched by Thames Valley Police back in 2019, and recently won an award for crime prevention from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
As well as 'Project Vigilant', the Prime Minister unveiled other steps set to be introduced to help better protect women in the UK, including a doubling of the Safer Streets fund, which provides neighbourhood measures like improved lighting and CCTV, to £45 million.
Speaking about the measures, Mr Johnson said it was vital action was taken to stop violence against women.
Advert
He said: "The horrific case of Sarah Everard has unleashed a wave of feeling about women not feeling safe at night. We must do everything we can to ensure our streets are safe.
"Ultimately, we must drive out violence against women and girls and make every part of the criminal justice system work to better protect and defend them."
The tragic death of Ms Everard, who disappeared while making her way home from a friend's in Clapham, London, on 3 March, has led to an outcry across the country, with people demanding action be taken to prevent further abuse of women in society.
Earlier this week, thousands of demonstrators gathered in London to protest the police's handling of the vigil for Ms Everard, which was mired in controversy after footage showed people being physically removed by police.
Protesters flocked to Scotland Yard before moving to Parliament Square, as London mayor Sadiq Khan called for a 'full, independent' investigation into last night's events.
Advert
Activist group Sisters Uncut posted on social media to say they would be protesting in the capital, writing on Twitter: "We will not be intimidated. Do not dare lay your hands on us tonight."
Clips shared on social media at the time showed protestors chanting 'shame on you' while others held placards with phrases such as 'We will not be silenced' and 'End sexist, racist state violence'.
Serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens is set to appear before the Old Bailey later this morning.
The 48-year-old was recently charged with the kidnap and murder of Ms Everard after her body was found in a woodland in Kent.
Topics: Police, UK News, crime