Orlando Shooting Vigil In Old Compton Street Sees Thousands Of Londoners Fall Silent To Remember Victims

'You could hear a pin drop.'

Londoners gathered in their thousands in the heart of the capital’s gay village to stand in solidarity with those who lost their lives in the Orlando shootings.

Eyewitnesses said that “you could hear a pin drop” as thousands gathered in Old Compton Street in Soho to hold a vigil for the 49 people killed in the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Sending so much love and strength to Old Compton Street, Orlando & around the world ❤️💛💚💙💜 #OrlandoVigil pic.twitter.com/jzsbVRuLCK

— Brooke Kinsella MBE (@brookekinsella) June 13, 2016

Old Compton Street right about now #SohoVigil pic.twitter.com/oUtpqeDT4o

— Charlie Banks (@TheCharlieBanks) June 13, 2016

Rainbow flags were waved and strangers held hands in the street as two minutes of silence were held.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, education minister Nicky Morgan, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Britain's youngest MP, Mhairi Black, were among a number of high-profile figures attending the event.

Today we reaffirm our commitment to equality for all - in Soho and across the world pic.twitter.com/3GtiwQZxXq

— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) June 13, 2016

In Soho tonight @jeremycorbyn stands in solidarity with LGBT community - here in London & across world. #Orlando pic.twitter.com/SkuYKnvvcz

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 13, 2016

Proud to be there and to stand in solidarity with so many. Love wins. #SohoVigil https://t.co/csGjN7qI5u

— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) June 13, 2016

London stands with #Orlando - thank you @MhairiBlack and @OwenJones84 - photobomb from a great ally @jonsnowC4 🌈❤️ pic.twitter.com/sbpluuCsv2

— Jessica Salkind (@j_salks) June 13, 2016

Following the silence, balloons were released to cheers and applause.

The London Gay Men's Chorus also sang a spine-tingling rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water, with many around joining in.

London Gay Men's Chorus singing Like A Bridge. #LoveWins #LoveIsLove #SohoVigil #Orlando pic.twitter.com/hGkDKb1fwq

— Jacob (@OhHeyJacob) June 13, 2016

In #oldcomptonstreet 1 of the busiest streets in #soho and you can hear a pin drop #London #LGBT #PrayersForOrlando pic.twitter.com/z1i3PNKM58

— Alix Paul (@alixpaul) June 13, 2016

Lovely singing and street art emerging on old Compton Street pic.twitter.com/2ANiBu5wcp

— Sam Cook (@sam_cook) June 13, 2016
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More than 50 people were injured and 49 died after Omar Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Florida the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mateen, who was killed in a shootout with police, was armed with an AR-15 assault type rifle, a handgun and an explosive device.

It is the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

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