THE Rainbow flag was being flown on prominent buildings across Hampshire in memory of victims of the brutal Florida nightclub shooting.

Politicians, religious figures and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups are condemning the atrocity in which 49 people were killed and 53 injured when a gunman went on the rampage at Pulse in Orlando, Florida, in the worst mass shooting in recent US history.

They made a rallying call for people to unite to stamp out prejudice and hate crime.

Tonight a mass candlelit vigil was held in Southampton as emotional tributes were paid across the county.

At least 200 people turned up to the vigil, organised by city couple Cheryl Barnes and Vicki Musselwhite, and would not be put off even after rain began to fall.

Candles were handed out and placed on the steps of the Guildhall and people held hands to show their solidarity for the LGBT community.

Kay Pearson, 19, a University of Southampton student attended the rally and said: “We are here to show solidarity and support for a community I am part of, it is to show people not to give up.”

She also read out an open letter to the victims at the vigil, saying that they were all angry and sorry about the horrific shooting but that the victims will be remembered. 

Daily Echo:

PICTURED: Southampton Guildhall lit up in rainbow colours (photo: Laura McKain Photography - www.facebook.com/lauramckainphotography) 

The flag was raised outside Southampton Civic Centre before the event which involved people bringing their own flags and lighting candles.

Hampshire police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are flying the flag at their shared offices in Eastleigh after the force yesterday observed a one minute’s silence on the same day a gathering was held outside Winchester Great Hall.

Sergeant Kirsten Troman from the force’s LGBT resource group called for “unity and strength” in the face of prejudice and added: “Hate crime incidents, discrimination, bullying and harassment of anyone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity must never be tolerated.”

Hampshire Police Federation chairman John Apter branded it a “senseless” loss of life and added: “Those cowards who perpetrate such acts of violence do so in the belief that it will make us weaker – but it makes us stronger.

“In these dark days we stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends from the LGBT community, you are not alone.”

The force insists there is little immediate threat to the county’s LGBT community but urged people to “remain vigilant” and report any hate crime or suspicious incidents to them on 101.

On Thursday people will also gather at The London Hotel in Terminus Terrace at 10pm for a minute’s silence and a minute’s applause to remember the victims. Southampton Gay Men’s Chorus will be in attendance beforehand.