Armed police — including uniformed, plain‑clothed and specialist teams — will patrol Brighton and Hove for the UK’s largest Pride festival after the recent attack at Berlin Pride. The suspect in Berlin, reported as Abdul B with alleged links to the so‑called Islamic State group, was shot dead after almost 24 hours on the run. Sussex Police and city leaders say they have been planning security for months and urge attendees to enjoy the festivities, stay vigilant and report any concerns.
Armed Officers to Patrol Brighton & Hove as City Prepares for UK’s Biggest Pride Festival
FILE PHOTO - People attend the Brighton Pride festival in Sussex. (is associated with: «Armed police officers to be deployed for UK's biggest Pride festival») Maurice Bafunno/PA Wire/dpa
Armed police will be deployed across Brighton and Hove for the United Kingdom's largest Pride festival, Sussex Police said, following the recent attack at Berlin Pride.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the van and stabbing assault in Berlin as "absolutely horrific". The attack left one person dead and at least 29 others injured. The suspect, named in reports as Abdul B and reported to have links to the so‑called Islamic State group, was shot dead by police after nearly 24 hours on the run.
Police Reinforce Security Plans
Sussex Police said the force has been planning for the event for many months with Brighton and Hove Pride organisers, the city council and partner agencies. "As we look ahead to Brighton & 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," a force spokesperson said.
Uniformed officers, plain‑clothed staff and specialist teams, including armed officers, will be deployed across the city as part of a comprehensive policing operation. The force said these measures are designed to maintain a visible presence, respond quickly to any incidents and reassure attendees.
Advice for Attendees
Organisers and police urged people attending Pride — expected to draw around 500,000 visitors to Brighton and Hove this weekend — to enjoy the celebrations while staying vigilant. Attendees were asked to look out for one another and report any concerns to stewards or officers. "If something doesn't feel right, speak to one of our officers or a member of security. In an emergency, always dial 999," the spokesperson added.
Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said the authority was "deeply saddened" by the Berlin attacks and stood in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community. She said the council is working closely with Pride organisers and Sussex Police to ensure the event remains a celebration of diversity, joy and unity.
Context: Officials say the stepped-up security reflects a balance between protecting public safety and allowing large public events to go ahead as planned.
The deployment of armed and specialist officers aims to provide reassurance and rapid response capability while organisers and authorities emphasise that Pride remains an important public and community event.
Help us improve.
