Intelligence and security

Extra security measures in place today for LGBT Pride Parade and Armed Forces Day events

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LGBT annual Pride Parade- an international event. Image:@LondonLGBTPride

LGBT annual Pride Parade- an international event. Image:@LondonLGBTPride

Security measures have been increased for LGBT annual Parade in London today in the light of reports indicating a high proportion of the 37 victims of the ISIS Tunisian terrorist beach attack were Britons.

The Sun newspaper has also revealed that it has helped thwart a terrorist attack at an Armed Services Day event planned for London today.

Senior counter-terror officer Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said the measures were designed to ‘protect and reassure’ on a weekend of ‘large public celebrations around the country.’

750,000 people attended last year’s LGBT annual parade.

The route of today's London LGBT Pride parade.

The route of today’s London LGBT Pride parade.

Armed Forces day is celebrating the work of the military at events across the country.

DAC Ball said:

Firstly, I would like to say we are deeply saddened by today’s terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all those who have been affected.

We will be supporting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK’s response to these incidents, especially where British nationals have been killed or injured, and we are providing specially trained liaison officers to support those affected families.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball. Image: Met Police

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball. Image: Met Police

The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe and our security measures to protect the public are kept under constant review to ensure they are appropriate and effective.

Our priority is to keep people safe and we continue to review our ability to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents and potential threats. And as we approach a weekend of large public celebrations around the country, including Armed Forces Day events and Pride London, we will be putting in place additional security measures to help protect and reassure the public.

The police service and our security and intelligence partners are working tirelessly to counter the threat from terrorism and keep the public safe. We have seen a large increase in the level of counter terrorist policing activity in the UK. This includes arresting suspects and disrupting their activities, as well as working with communities to prevent people from being drawn into violent extremism.

Madame Tussauds supports LGBT Pride with a light show on their building this weekend. Image:@MadameTusauds

Madame Tussauds supports LGBT Pride with a light show on their building this weekend. Image:@MadameTusauds

The parade will start forming up from 9 am and move off at 1 pm from Baker Street to Whitehall via the following route: Baker Street, Orchard Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall.

Rolling road closures will be in place to facilitate the passage of the march.

The participants will disperse in Whitehall Place and pedestrians will make their way to Pride related events in Trafalgar Square, Golden Square and within the Soho area, which will all finish at 8 pm tonight.

Police have been liaising with the organiser of this year’s Pride event for some months.

The Met Police said:

It is always helpful when journalists share with us information, as The Sun did in this case, that could indicate terrorist or criminal activity.
We would also like to reiterate our long-standing advice to remain vigilant and alert. As ever we would urge the public to get in touch to report anything suspicious by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency by calling 999.

Hundreds of events marking Armed Forces Day will take place across the country.

This year’s national event is in Guildford in Surrey, where the Duke of York will be in attendance.

A service will be held in Guildford Cathedral and serving personnel, veterans and cadets will parade through the town.

A show at Stoke Park will feature live music and military displays.

Categories: Intelligence and security, International, News, Police News, Social Affairs

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