Chief constable: ‘Horror’ of gay nightclub massacre must not be repeated in UK

Chief officers are “more determined than ever” to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in the UK in the wake of the Orlando gay nightclub massacre.

The LGBT community worldwide has been left reeling after home-grown, lone gunman Omar Mateen went on a killing spree — murdering 49 club-goers and injuring dozens more in the Florida resort.

Mateen, 29, is believed to have been involved in a gunfight with police outside Pulse nightclub in the early hours of Sunday (June 12) before entering the venue, killing many before taking hostages. He was eventually shot dead when US police officers stormed the building.

National Police Chiefs` Council Lead for LGBT issues, Chief Constable Jane Sawyers, has spoken of her “horror” as events in Orlando unfolded over the weekend in the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

UK police forces are being asked to review security for all public events following the attack, which combined an “act of terror” with one of hate-filled crime.

And with just over a week to go to the biggest event in the UK’s LGBT outdoor calendar, security measures at the Pride in London festival are to be stepped up in the wake of the Orlando atrocity.

Ms Sawyers said colleagues across the service are “more determined than ever that LGBT communities should feel safe and secure”.

She added: “The police service is united in our absolute resolve to protect LGBT communities here in the UK.

“As we recoil in horror from the brutal and tragic events that have occurred at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, I and chief police officer colleagues around the country stand together alongside the American LGBT community who have lost loved ones, partners, family and friends. We know this was not only an act of terror but also one of hate.

“Pulse nightclub is not simply an LGBT venue. It is a place where people come to enjoy themselves — to love, laugh, dance and sing — something which so many of us take for granted every day.

“It is the fundamental human right of every person to feel safe and secure, and to be treated with equality, dignity and respect.”

Forces nationally are reminding the public that the UK threat level remains ‘severe’.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has promised to increase patrols in prime locations as the shocking attack in Orlando has sparked fears for the ongoing London festival which culminates in a parade on Saturday, June 25.

Commander Mak Chishty, Hate Crime lead for the MPS said: “The events in Orlando have caused shock and concern across the world including here in London.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest an increased risk in London, we have increased our patrols in prime locations and continue to work closely and engage with the LGBT community, visiting clubs and local areas offering reassurance and being visible.

“There are LGBT liaison officers available in every borough who are out and about and using their networks to understand how the community is feeling and offer support.”

Organisers of the annual parade have also reassured festival-goers that they will be safe.

A spokesperson for the festival organisers said safety was the “number one priority”, adding: “We don`t know whether events in Orlando have any connection to Pride in London, but first and foremost the Metropolitan Police Service has already taken this event very seriously.

“We will continue to liaise with them to make sure the day is as safe as humanely possible.

“The message we want to get out is — `It`s events such as Pride where we can come and stand together`.”

A ‘hard hat’ helmet is being attributed with saving the life of an Orlando Police Department officer during the tense shoot-out between the force and gunman Mateen.

A bullet struck the officer`s kevlar headgear as police stormed the Pulse nightclub.

The officer suffered an eye injury but the helmet saved him from what could have been a fatal blow to his head.

A photo tweeted by the Orlando Police Department showed the helmet with a dente