London’s police chief reiterated that he will not tolerate acts of bias or hate after a man was arrested and charged during an incident at the inaugural Wortley Pride Event.
On Saturday, the London Police Service (LPS) responded to an emergency call in South London at approximately 2:16 p.m. Police said that a large altercation had taken place in the area of Wortley Road and Duchess Avenue during the pride celebration.
LPS confirmed, Sunday, that an adult man was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and causing a disturbance and that the case is being reviewed by the department’s hate crime investigator.
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Police Chief Steve Williams condemned the disturbance and assured the community that police will be working diligently to prevent any similar incidents from occurring at future events.
“Let me be clear – the London Police Service will not tolerate acts of intolerance, bias or hate against any member of our community,” said Williams. “I want to assure Londoners that the LPS will have a large and visible presence at this weekend’s Pride Parade, including both on-duty uniformed officers and off-duty officers who will be marching in the parade as participants.”
Williams added as with all large events held in the city, operational plans have been made to ensure public safety.
“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,” Williams said.
Investigators continue to look into the incident which according to witnesses, began after a man parked his truck in the street to prevent access to the event while he shouted anti-LGBTQ slurs.
Kathy Bell, the Wortley Pride Chair, said that she wasn’t a part of the initial confrontation, but was given reports of what happened from other festival-goers.
“I do know that an individual in a white truck, with Canadian Flags blowing in the bed of the truck, laid continuously on their horn as they drove up Duchess and down Wortley. I thought that would be the end of it, but they circled back around and then I saw them stop on Wortley,” Bell said. When the actual altercation began the police were contacted immediately.
She added that the event continued despite the interruption. “This incident demonstrates why we need to continue to raise awareness and educate the community. Love is Love!”
A walking parade and drag show followed the disturbance.
Bell said that the community want to see Wortley Pride return next year and, as of right now, that is the plan.
Police have not released the name or age of the accused.
The investigation is ongoing and police ask that anyone with information or video to call the LPS at 5193661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
