Brighton Pride to have more armed police in wake of Berlin attack
Police officers at Brighton & Hove Pride in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)
Armed officers will be deployed across Brighton during Brighton & Hove Pride, Sussex Police has said, following the fatal attack at Berlin Pride.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said, as per Sky News: “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.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”
Brighton & Hove Pride attracts an estimated 500,000 people. Police also urged attendees to stay alert and look out for each other, adding: “If something doesn’t feel right, speak to one of our officers or a member of security. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
Security in focus
The policing plans come a week before the festival, after an attack at Berlin Pride that reportedly left one person dead and at least 29 injured.
The suspect, Abdul Ballout, was shot dead by police on Sunday after an almost 24-hour manhunt and was reportedly linked to the so-called Islamic State group. The incident has heightened concerns around safety at large Pride events.
Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, wrote 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.”
She added: “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.”
Reassurance without losing joy
Brighton & Hove Pride is widely regarded as one of the UK’s largest Pride celebrations, typically centred on a city-wide parade and a ticketed festival in Preston Park, this year headlined by Raye and Diana Ross. Brighton is often described as the UK’s ‘gay capital’, with a large LGBTQ+ population and a prominent queer nightlife and cultural scene.
Wes Streeting described the Berlin attack as “absolutely horrific” and suggested it showed why Pride events were still necessary. He also said Pride 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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