A Metropolitan Police commander has written a letter of encouragement to people who plan to march in this year's Pride parade, following the horrific Orlando massacre.

Forty-nine people died after gunman Omar Mateen opened fire with a military-style assault rifle in gay nightclub Pulse in the Florida city last week.

Commander Mak Chishty said a record number of groups had applied to join the march next Saturday, including some 100 police officers.

He wrote: "Whilst the tragic events in Orlando last weekend have caused huge shock and concern across the world, there is no intelligence to suggest an increased threat to the Pride parade in London.

"Police have been working closely with Pride in London for some months in planning for this event.

"As a matter of course, the security plan has been reviewed and the situation is continuously monitored and remains under review.

"The Met Police and Pride in London recognise that people in the LGBT+ and wider community may have increased concerns at this time.

"Therefore, to help provide additional reassurance and to show support for the Pride event, the Met Police will have an increased visible policing presence at the parade and in Soho.

"There will be a proportionate policing plan in place on the day and Pride in London is also providing additional stewarding."

The parade will assemble in Portland Place from 9am, and begin moving at 1pm.

It will travel along Regent Street via Oxford Circus, through Piccadilly Circus, along Pall Mall and Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, before dispersing in Whitehall Place at about 4.30pm.

Roads along the route will reopen behind marchers, with all roads expected to be open by 6.30pm.