Thousands hold vigil in London for victims of Orlando massacre

A gunman killed at least 49 people and wounded 53 others at Florida nightclub on Sunday.
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Mourners embrace during a candle-lit vigil, in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, at St Anne's Church in the Soho district of London, Britain 13 June 2016. © REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

On Monday thousands of people held a two-minute silence at a vigil in London's Soho neighbourhood to mourn the victims of Sunday's massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

At least 49 people were killed and 53 others were wounded at the Pulse nightclub on Sunday before the gunman, Omar Mateen, was shot dead by police.

From 6:00 pm crowds fell silent and hundreds of balloons were let off in memory of those killed.

A vigil was also held in the Canal Street district in central Manchester, northern England – an area of the city where there are many gay bars and restaurants.

On 25 June, Pride will hold their annual parade and related events in central London for the LGBT community.

People pause during a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Men embrace during a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

People pause during a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Women kiss during a vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

A man holds a banner as he takes part in a vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

People embrace during a vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, in the Soho district of London, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

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Mourners embrace during a vigil, in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, at St Anne's Church in the Soho district of London, Britain 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Mourners embrace during a candle-lit vigil, in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, at St Anne's Church in the Soho district of London, Britain 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

A handwritten note is left following a candlelit vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, outside St Georges Hall in Liverpool, northern England, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Phil Nobe

People hold candles during a vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, outside St Georges Hall in Liverpool, northern England, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Phil Nobe

Women kiss during a vigil in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, outside St Georges Hall in Liverpool, northern England, 13 June 2016.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

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Sources: Reuters, NYT