A BRADFORD councillor has urged the public to "stand in solidarity" and challenge misogyny and sexism following the death of Sarah Everard, whose death has sparked debate and outrage across the country.

Councillor Richard Dunbar, of the Thornton and Allerton ward, says that the death of 33-year-old Sarah has "yet again cast a light" on "how we live in a misogynistic world", which, he adds, focuses on teaching women how to "stay safe", rather than on teaching men "the importance of respecting women".

Sarah Everard, who worked as a marketing executive and lived in South London, was reported as missing earlier this month.

On 10 March, her remains were found in Kent.

Wayne Couzens, a 48-year-old police officer of Deal, Kent, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder. He will appear at the Old Bailey today.

Cllr Richard Dunbar said, in a social media post, that Sarah Everard’s death "has yet again cast a light on how we live in a misogynistic world that focuses on how women should stay safe, rather than teaching men the importance of respecting women.

"I’ve heard so many stories of women who have been harassed and abused. It’s still happening and is still allowed to happen because the misogynistic jokes, micro-aggressions and systemic abuse is normalised. You only need to look at the disgusting level of convictions in rape cases.

"We need to do everything we can to stand in solidarity with ALL women, challenge the bigotry, celebrate achievements more and be unrelenting in challenging patriarchal structures that allow such abuse to continue."

The case has led to fresh debate on misogyny, as many women took to social media following Sarah's death to share their own personal experiences of harassment and abuse.

On Saturday, a vigil was held for Sarah, in an event which saw a number of arrests as clashes ensued.

The Metropolitan Police were widely condemned for their approach at the vigil, while Boris Johnson added that he was "deeply concerned" by footage which showed officers detaining women at the event.