The organiser of the LGBT+ Pride in London and the Met police have moved to allay public concerns over safety at this year’s event following the tragic events in Orlando.

In a joint letter issued in wake of the homophobic shootings at the Pulse nightclub and ahead of the annual Pride event taking place on Saturday (June 25), Met Police commander Mak Chishty and Pride chairman Michael Salter-Church said there was ‘no intelligence to suggest an increased threat to the parade’.

However, there will be an extra police presence visible at the parade and in Soho, and additional stewarding.

The letter was issued on Friday (June 17), following a meeting hosted by the Met earlier that day at Heaven nightclub, which was opened by the Met Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.

The briefing, for representatives of the LGBT and business communities, included up-to-date information regarding the threat level, and protective security advice designed to reduce vulnerability.

It came after 49 people were killed at the gay club in Florida in the early hours of June 12. Many more were seriously injured.

In their letter, commander Chishty and Mr Salter-Church write: “Whilst the tragic events in Orlando last weekend have caused huge shock and concern across the world, there is no intelligence to suggest an increased threat to the Pride parade in London. Police have been working closely with Pride in London for some months in planning for this event.

“As a matter of course, the security plan has been reviewed and the situation is continuously monitored and remains under review.

“The Met Police and Pride in London recognise that people in the LGBT+ and wider community may have increased concerns at this time. Therefore, to help provide additional reassurance and to show support for the Pride event, the Met Police will have an increased visible policing presence at the parade and in Soho.

“There will be a proportionate policing plan in place on the day and Pride in London is also providing additional stewarding.”

Following the Orlando shootings, some people voiced concerns about attending the annual celebrations.

There were also rallies in the capital as Londoners came together to remember the victims and call for solidarity.

Watch Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe discuss security measures for London Pride

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