Herts police have confirmed a local Hate Crime Officer is now involved following the cancellation of a London Colney pride event.
Planned for Saturday, June 20, Loud & Proud was hoped to celebrate love, diversity and community, through a day of live entertainment in Shirley's Roadhouse at Broadlakes.
The festival was cancelled last week, following a string of alleged incidents involving the theft and vandalism of property connected to the event.
Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed they had "no prior knowledge" of the decision to scrap the festival, but are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding what has happened.
The event organiser and a local councillor have both been contacted by the Chief Inspector and local Hate Crime Officer.
“We have been made aware that a local Pride event in London Colney has been cancelled following the repeated removal of promotional banners in the area,"a spokesperson for the force said.
"We had no prior knowledge of this event or the subsequent decision to cancel it, and to date no offences have been reported to us.
“We take all reports of hate-related incidents seriously and would encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed similar behaviour to report it to us so that we can take appropriate action.”
Liberal Democrat councillor, Liz Needham, expressed her disappointment with the cancellation.
"Sadly, following adverse actions by some individuals - including the removal of banners advertising the event - the organiser has become increasingly concerned that attempts may be made to disrupt the event on the day itself," Cllr Needham commented.
She highlighted the safety of attendees, performer, staff and the venue, saying this "must always come first", when justifying the cancellation.
Cllr Needham added: "This is not the outcome anyone wanted, and it is deeply upsetting that an event intended to bring people together cannot now go ahead.
"Thank you to everyone who supported the event and the message of inclusivity and community spirit it represented."
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