Police praise public for '˜amazing' Pride celebration

Police said around 300,000 people attended yesterday’s parade celebrations in the city centre.

This year’s event marked 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales and celebrations are set to continue today (August 6).

Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor said: “This is one of the biggest policing operations we manage, and it could not happen without the support and hard work from all those involved including South East Coast Ambulance, East Sussex Fire and Rescue, St John Ambulance, British Transport Police, Pride and the thousands of people who travel from far and wide to attend it and help make it an amazing and fun event.

“I am also hugely proud of the officers who have been policing Pride this year, many of whom worked very long and busy shifts but remained positive and professional throughout.

“The overwhelming majority of people who have come to Pride have been brilliant but officers have made a number of arrests today for a variety of offences, which can be expected at such a large event.

“As the weekend continues I would urge people to please take care of themselves and each other. If you have come to the city with friends then stick together, have fun but make sure you all go home together - I don’t want anyone to end up with not so pleasant memories of their Pride weekend.

“A visible presence of officers will remain throughout the city with plenty on hand to help if you need it. So, please do not hesitate to approach an officer if you have any concerns or need to report a crime.”