Armed officers will be deployed at the UK’s largest Pride festival in Brighton, police said, following a fatal attack at Berlin’s event.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the “absolutely horrific” van and stabbing assault in the German capital, which left one dead and at least 29 injured.
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.
The deployment comes a week before the Brighton and Hove festival, which attracts an estimated 500,000 people.
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.
“We will be working tirelessly this week and throughout the weekend, building on the extensive planning that has taken place over many months with event organisers, Brighton and Hove City Council and other partners, to keep everyone safe and ensure an effective policing operation is in place.
“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.
“We encourage everyone attending Pride to enjoy the celebrations, look out for one another, and report any concerns.
“If something doesn’t feel right, speak to one of our officers or a member of security. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, said in a post on the council’s Facebook page: “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.
“We look forward to Pride being a celebration of the diversity, joy and, above all, the unity of our community.”
Mr Streeting suggested the attack in Berlin showed why Pride events were still necessary.
He added that such events in the UK were already “always well policed” and struck the right balance between public safety and allowing people to celebrate.
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