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London’s police chief is speaking out about a confrontation at a weekend Pride event in the city that resulted in one man being charged with weapons offences and some in the LGBTQ+ community fearful of future clashes.
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London police say their hate-crime investigator is reviewing the “large physical altercation” at Wortley Road and Duchess Avenue, where the 2022 Wortley Pride festivities were unfolding. A witness said people in pickup trucks descended on the event, honking to drown out music and hurling homophobic slurs at those in attendance.
Police have not publicly identified the person charged.
“Let me be clear – the London Police Service will not tolerate acts of intolerance, bias or hate against any member of our community. Our community is rich with diversity, and every individual has a right to feel safe on our streets, and in our neighbourhoods,” police Chief Steve Williams said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.
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Police have described Saturday’s altercation as a “disturbance” and say it’s under investigation. Williams urged anyone with information or video footage of the events to share them with police.
London police will have a “large and visible presence” at this week’s Pride Festival, including the parade on Sunday, he added. On-duty officers will be there and other off-duty cops will be marching in the parade as participants, Williams said.
That’s been a flashpoint in London among the gay community. Pride London barred uniformed officers from marching in the parade several years ago, but welcomed back members of the London force last year.
Williams said safety will be a top priority at the festivities. “As with any large-scale event, we have a full operational plan in place to ensure the safety of participants and those who line the parade route in support.”
He added: “We will continue to work with Pride London throughout the week to ensure any Pride Week concerns are addressed so that all individuals are able to celebrate safely, and to offer our continued support to the LGBT2QIA+ community.”
