THE Brighton centre was opened for vulnerable people after crowds were stuck outside Brighton Station unable to get home from Pride on Saturday night.

With many left waiting to try and board trains the centre was made available for people.

City councillor Penny Gilbey said: " The council agreed with the police to open up the Brighton Centre as a safe space rest centre. This will provide safe rest space and water but not beds because the crowds currently seeking to leave Brighton by train far outnumber the remaining additional train capacity through to 2am."

With thousands still partying in Brighton and many struggling to get home, the police called in extra coastguard teams to stop people from drowning.

One passer-by said: "It's chaos. People are stuck outside the station saying they are locked out.

"People are very upset. I've seen people in tears."

A police spokeswoman said: "Coastguards have provided extra teams due to the large number of people in the city. We, alongside partner agencies, want to ensure people are as safe as possible when the sea could be involved.

She said a major incident had not been declared.

But she added: "There is a potential that people will go down to the beach so they've got more coasttguard teams coming down just in case."

Police have had reports of a number of people vomiting and feeling ill at Brighton Pride after having taken a pill called Rolex.

A spokesman said: "Please do not take this, it could make you seriously ill. Please look after yourself and your friends.

"Our advice is not to take any drugs."

A police spokesman also gave this statement to crowds trying to get home at Brighton station: "Brighton Railway Station is very busy. If you are waiting for a train, please be patient and listen to the announcements being made. British Transport Police, supported by us, are controlling the crowd to ensure the safety of everyone. Please stay with your friends, keep calm and keep hydrated."

The drama came at the end of a fantastic day, see more pictures here.

Meanwhile Brighton and Hove Buses Tweeted have Tweeted this today: Due to an incident at Brighton Station, all services are currently unable to serve Brighton Station, Queens Road or Terminus Road, all services are therefore currently on diversions or terminating short. Apologies."

We are getting reports that Brighton Station has been shut.

#Brighton station may be closed at short notice due to overcrowding. Speak to station staff for further information #SNUpdates

— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) August 4, 2018 ">http://

What is going on @TLRailUK @SouthernRailUK #disgusted and #worried that people are being crushed at Brighton station with gates locked and no access. It’s #dangerous. Police are being totally unhelpful too. Visitors of @PrideBrighton deserve better #unacceptable pic.twitter.com/CyZ7klNHSf

— Terence Lovell (@tejlovell) August 4, 2018 ">http://

There have been a lot of people on the beach on sunday still after last night

Last night the council released this statement: "Many people decided not to travel and went to the beach instead, the numbers were added to by others leaving the PVP (Pride Village Party) and also heading to the seafront. This led to overcrowding in some areas and an increase in calls to emergency services. 

"We have been working with the ambulance service (SECAmb) and HM Coastguard to find a way to reduce the numbers of people on the beach for the safety of all. 

"As part of our emergency planning role, the council was prepared to make the Brighton Centre available for the Pride event. The venue has been open for a few hours overnight and will be used by the coastguard and SECAmb as well as to provide support to people our partners have asked us to help.  

Reports that 4,000 Pride goers are currently at the Brighton Centre are untrue. While the Brighton Centre has capacity for many thousands of people, we have only received six people at the venue. We are not expecting the numbers to rise significantly from this point but we are ready to help further if needed.

"We will review the use of the Brighton Centre at 3am and will move the services to the Safe Space at St Pauls Church as soon as this is practical.

Additional information (3.30am)
"We have taken the decision to close the Brighton Centre. It is now more practical to provide support at the nearby Safe Space in St Pauls Church, West Street, Brighton. We looked after nine people at the Brighton Centre tonight."