Armed officers to patrol UK's largest Pride event amid safety fears

• Armed police will be deployed at the UK's largest Pride festival in Brighton and Hove.
• The decision comes after a fatal attack at Berlin's Pride event.
• Sussex Police confirmed a comprehensive policing operation including uniformed, plain-clothed, and armed officers.
• The event organizers and local council are working with police to ensure safety.
• The attack in Berlin involved a van and stabbing, resulting in one death and 29 injuries.

Armed police officers will be deployed to patrol the UK's largest Pride festival in Brighton and Hove, a decision prompted by a fatal attack at Berlin's Pride event. The incident in the German capital resulted in one death and at least 29 injuries after a suspect drove a van into a crowd and then stabbed individuals.

Sussex Police stated that the safety of attendees, residents, businesses, and visitors is their top priority. They have been working for months with event organizers and local authorities to ensure an effective policing operation. The deployment will include uniformed officers, plain-clothed officers, and specialist teams, including armed officers, across the city.

The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Bella Sankey, expressed sadness over the Berlin attacks and solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community. She reassured attendees that authorities are collaborating to ensure safety for the upcoming Brighton & Hove Pride festival, which is expected to draw an estimated 500,000 people.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the Berlin attack as "absolutely horrific" and suggested that such events underscore the necessity of Pride gatherings. He noted that UK Pride events are typically well-policed, balancing public safety with the ability for people to celebrate.