Charities warn over 'frightening' plan to put plainclothes police in nightclubs

Scheme distracts from rightful criticisms of police response to Clapham vigil, campaigners say

Plans to protect women by putting plainclothes police officers in nightclubs are bizarre, frightening and spectacularly missing the point", campaigners and charities have said.

The plans were outlined by the government as part of the steps it was taking to improve security and protect women from predatory offenders. Called Project Vigilant, the programme can involve officers attending areas around clubs and bars in plainclothes, along with increased police patrols as people leave at closing time.