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Vigils and two-minute silences to be held in London, Liverpool, Norwich, Manchester and Brighton
Remembering - and fighting hate
Boris Johnson condemns homophobic attacks ahead of nationwide vigils
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has spoken about the issue of gay hate crime in the capital as preparations are made for candle-lit vigils across the country at the weekend.
Johnson is understood to have met with Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson yesterday to seek assurance that all measures are being taken to tackle the rise in the number of homophobic attacks in London.
Earlier this month, the Met's latest figures showed a rise of nearly a fifth in the number of reported homophobic incidents: 1,192 in the year up to September compared with 1,008 the previous year, an increase of 18.3%.
Johnson said today: "Londoners have become increasingly concerned about the number of homophobic attacks and the recent death of Ian Baynham was particularly appalling. My thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone affected by hate crime."
Tonight's Trafalgar Square vigil in memory of Ian Baynham, who died on October 13 from his injuries after being attacked there on September 25, is expected to be attended by
deputy mayor Richard Barnes. He said of Baynham's death: "This was a terrible crime and a tragedy for all who knew and loved Ian Baynham.
"It is a dark episode, but as Londoners we must seize this opportunity to raise awareness about the tragic consequences of homophobia and to educate our young people."
A number of other vigils and two-minute silences are being held across the country this weekend.
Following the attack on trainee policeman James Parkes, who is in hospital with serious head injuries after being set upon by a gang of youths in Liverpool on October 25, there will be a vigil in Stanley Street from 8pm on Sunday.
There will be two-minute silences tonight at 9pm outside Norwich's Millennium Plain and in Brighton at the Victoria Fountain. In Manchester's Canal Street, Taurus Bar will also be observing a two-minute silence at 9pm.
