Thousands descended on Soho for a vigil in tribute to the Orlando shooting victims (Picture: Seb/WENN.com)

Thousands of people descended on Soho in London this evening for a vigil to honour the victims of the Orlando shooting.

The vigil is one of many events held in response to the massacre at Pulse nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning which left 49 people dead and 53 injured.

Actor Sean Astin quotes moving Lord Of The Rings speech in solidarity for Orlando shooting

Nearly 6,000 confirmed they were attending the event in Soho, pledging to hold hands in memory of those that lost their lives in what is the worst mass-shooting in US history.

A two minute silence at 7.05pm on Old Compton Street was due to be followed by a 49 balloon release – one for each of the victims.




Those who wished to place flowers in tribute were urged to do so at nearby St Anne’s Church Garden, which remained open until 9pm this evening.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Amongst those in attendance were Jeremy Corbyn and Tom Watson.

The Labour leader told metro.co.uk reporter Simon Robb that the vigil was the ‘best response’.

‘I’m shocked and appalled at what happened,’ he said.

‘Disgusted at the attack. An attack of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

‘We have to show that we want to live in a world that’s tolerant and inclusive of all people.’

Mr Watson , the deputy leader added: ‘You cannot let such targeted hate take away our humanity.

‘We are here to give our support to the LGBT community..to say we are not standing for it.’

Old Compton Street right about now #SohoVigil pic.twitter.com/oUtpqeDT4o — Charlie Banks (@TheCharlieBanks) June 13, 2016

London stands in solidarity & love with LGBT friends around the world.

Sending love & hope for progress to Orlando. pic.twitter.com/PSbtOKr0mT — Marcoooos! (@marcusbrig) June 13, 2016

We're humbled and so proud of our community here in London. Well done London, well done Geplaatst door London stands with Orlando op Maandag 13 juni 2016

The pictures of the event were incredibly moving.

The event in London was one of many set to take place across the UK.

Some 600 people have gathered in Glasgow’s George Square, where floral tributes and lit candles were placed.

Of all the notes at tonight's vigil in Glasgow for #Orlando this one touched me the most pic.twitter.com/0SfQ9kWZxp — Kate (@uhh_kate) June 13, 2016

Glasgow stands with Orlando – candlelit vigil in George Square pic.twitter.com/OdehQyboKX — LGBT History Month (@LGBTHistoryScot) June 13, 2016

Other cities planning a vigil include Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Manchester gay village packed with people Getting ready for mass hand showing solidarity with #Orlando #LoveIsLove pic.twitter.com/PSkruCvMo8 — Jenny White (@photo_jenn) June 13, 2016

Vigil for #orlando live in #Cardiff. So lovely to be part of the huge crowd here. pic.twitter.com/MePEsc9xX7 — Phillip (@phillhiip) June 13, 2016

Fantastic turn out at this evening's vigil for the victims of the #Orlando attacks here in #Cardiff. pic.twitter.com/qXPb7ZIEmt — Danny Hayes-Lissack (@thedannyhayes) June 13, 2016

MORE: Murder arrest after bodies of mum and daughter found in Liverpool home