Armed officers will be deployed at the UK's largest Pride festival in Brighton this weekend, Sussex Police have announced, following a fatal attack at Berlin's event that left one dead and at least 29 injured.
The move comes a week before the Brighton and Hove festival, which attracts an estimated 500,000 people. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the "absolutely horrific" van and stabbing assault in the German capital. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, reportedly linked to the so-called Islamic State group, was shot dead by police on Sunday after a nearly 24-hour manhunt. He is believed to have driven a van into festival-goers before attacking others with a machete.
“Armed officers to patrol Brighton Pride after Berlin attack killed one, injured 29.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "As we look ahead to Brighton and Hove Pride, I want to reassure those attending, as well as residents, businesses and visitors across the city, that their safety remains our top priority. Uniformed policing, plain-clothed officers and specialist teams including armed officers will be deployed across the city, which all form part of our comprehensive plans for policing this event." The force urged attendees to "look out for one another" and report concerns, dialling 999 in an emergency.
Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said in a Facebook post: "We are deeply saddened by the attacks at Berlin Pride and our thoughts with all those affected. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and, as we look forward to Brighton & Hove Pride this weekend, we want to reassure all those attending that we are working closely with Brighton & Hove Pride, Sussex Police and our other partners to keep everyone safe." She added: "We look forward to Pride being a celebration of the diversity, joy and, above all, the unity of our community."
Streeting suggested the Berlin attack showed why Pride events were still necessary. He noted that such events in the UK were already "always well policed" and struck the right balance between public safety and allowing people to celebrate.
