London’s police chief has vowed to keep next week’s Pride in London safe – as extra officers are drafted in for security.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the head of London’s Metropolitan Police, spoke to press including PinkNews ahead of a meeting with LGBT business leaders, following the attack in Orlando.

The police chief said the force did not expect an attack but have put extra police on duty to make pride-goers feel safe.

He said: “Generally, we know there is no more threat today than when the attacks on Orlando happened.”

However, the Commissioner added that it was “impossible” for the police to prevent every attack.

The police chief also expressed grief over the murder of MP Jo Cox, saying: “I’m afraid it’s impossible to prevent every attack, and what we are all doing is reviewing what we’ve learnt from the terrible events of yesterday.”

“It’s a tragic, horrible event that happened yesterday when Jo Cox was murdered and it’s terrible for her family. It’s made everybody think about their safety in public.”

Speaking before a business meeting about safety in LGBT venues, the Commissioner expressed his love and solidarity for the people of Orlando.

He said: “So many people are hurt by this attack and it’s a great shock to the LGBT community.”

He urged people to act if they see anything suspicious during the festivities and alert police or security.

The commissioner does not think the LGBT community or MPs are under threat, despite the crimes that have happened in the past week.

Commander of Engagement, Mak Chishty, will be attending the London Pride parade. He ensured extra safety for the celebrations.

He said: “We’ve got extra officers throughout the day in addition to what we already planned and I’m very proud to say that also that we’ve got 150 officers in full uniform taking part in the parade itself.

“So there will be full uniform officers as part of the parade which is really good sign that we’re one community.”

A letter from the Met to Pride in London marchers is below.