Armed Police To Patrol Brighton Pride After Berlin Festival Attack

Armed police and specialist officers will be deployed at Brighton Pride this weekend following a deadly attack at a Pride event in Berlin.

Sussex Police has reassured those attending the UK’s largest Pride celebration that extensive plans are in place to keep people safe, with uniformed officers, plain-clothed teams and armed police among those supporting the operation.

The announcement comes after an attack in the German capital, where a man drove a van into crowds gathered for a Pride event before attacking people with a machete. One person died and at least 29 others were injured.

The suspect, named as Abdul Ballout, was later shot dead by police. Authorities said he was suspected of having links to so-called Islamic State.

Brighton & Hove Pride is expected to attract around 500,000 people when it takes place this weekend.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said:

“I want to reassure those attending, as well as residents, businesses and visitors across the city, that their safety remains our top priority.”

The force said planning for the event had been taking place for several months with organisers, Brighton & Hove City Council and other partners.

The spokesperson added:

“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.

“We encourage everyone attending Pride to enjoy the celebrations, look out for one another, and report any concerns.”

Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Bella Sankey said the city was “deeply saddened” by the attack in Berlin and offered reassurance to those attending Pride.

She said:

“We want to reassure all those attending that we are working closely with Brighton and 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.”

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the Berlin attack as “absolutely horrific” and said the incident highlighted the importance of Pride events continuing to provide spaces for people to celebrate safely.