HAMPSHIRE Police has commemorated the victims of Sunday’s gun attack in Orlando, which left 50 people dead and scores more injured, offering reassurance to the district’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

The LGBT rainbow flag was being flown at the strategic police and fire headquarters in Eastleigh this week, with a minute’s silence held on Tuesday.

Chief Constable Jane Sawyers, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for LGBT, has called for police colleagues to stand together alongside the American LGBT community who have lost partners, family and friends.

Sergeant Kirsten Troman, from Hampshire Constabulary’s LGBT resource group, said: “We support this call for unity and strength against hatred and prejudice in its most extreme forms.

“Hampshire Constabulary is striving toward an ever stronger commitment to encourage equality and inclusion with mutual respect and understanding in all the communities we protect. Hate crime incidents, discrimination, bullying and harassment of anyone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity must never be tolerated.”

Sgt Troman added: “There is no information to suggest an immediate threat to our LGBT communities across Hampshire. We’re advising our communities to be alert but not alarmed.

“Hampshire Constabulary retains dedicated lesbian and gay liaison officers who have additional skills and experience on the frontline and other departments, including our control room and enquiry centre to manage situations and issues affecting our LGBT communities.”

The shooting occurred inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It resulted in 50 deaths, including the gunman who was killed by police, with another 53 injured.

To report a crime, call 101 if it’s non-urgent, call 999 in an emergency, or the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.