A 32-year-old woman is fighting for her life in hospital after she was one of three people stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival in west London today.
Serious violence has marred one of the capital’s most famous events on what was dubbed its ‘family day’.
Two men were also knifed during the event, one aged 29 who is in hospital in a non-life threatening condition and another, aged 24, whose condition is not yet known.
Police say 15 officers were assaulted but ‘fortunately none have sustained serious injuries’, while 90 people have been arrested in connection with an array of different crimes, including sexual and drug-related offences.
A total of 18 offensive weapons, including knives, were confiscated throughout the day.
The Met Police said in a statement: ‘Hundreds of thousands of people came to Notting Hill Carnival today to enjoy a fantastic celebration. Our officers have been on duty working to keep them safe as part of a very carefully planned policing operation.
‘Regrettably, a minority came to commit crime and engage in violence.’
Extra measures were also authorised giving police greater powers to stop and search partygoers – and prevent further violence.
The Met added that a Section 60 order will be in place for the carnival area from 6.05pm to 2am.
In anticipation of violence, the force deployed 9,000 officers to manage the scores of revellers.
Last year, there were eight stabbings and 275 arrests at the Notting Hill Carnival.
In 2024, there have already been three knife attacks and 90 arrests with another day of the festival still to go.
Those arrests today were made for the following offences, the Met said:
- 10 x assaults on an emergency worker
- 18 x possession of an offensive weapon
- 4 x robbery
- 4 x sexual offences
- 6 x assault
- 8 x possession with intent to supply drugs
- 8 x possession of class A drugs
- 13 x possession of class B drugs
- 5 x possession drugs (other)
- 1 x theft from a person
- 1 x public order offence
- 8 x other offences
A police spokesman said yesterday: ‘Carnival is one of the world’s most significant street festivals. Every year around a million people come to celebrate and take part in what has become a fixture in London’s cultural calendar.
‘But for many reasons it is also a challenging event to police with very dense crowds and a regrettable history of a minority of people using it as an opportunity to commit crime, including violence.’
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for this year’s event, said of the task of policing at previous carnivals: ‘It was a challenging environment to work in and one which over the past two years has seen more than 500 arrests, 15 stabbings including one that was fatal, and more than 125 police officers assaulted.
‘These incidents can’t be downplayed or dismissed. It is for that reason that anyone going to Carnival will see a very significant policing presence.’
It comes as the masses descended on the city with vibrant colours drenching the streets for the annual Caribbean-themed fiesta.
The party, which always falls on August bank holiday weekend, fully kicked into gear on Sunday with the main parade.
A three-and-a-half mile march went through most of W10 from near Westborne Park Tube Station all the way to Ladbroke Grove.
Thousands of performers have been showing their talent, while the iconic wacky costumes are out in force for its 56th edition.
Flamboyant outfits are on show everywhere you turn, while steel bands, sound systems and dancers are entertaining crowds.
Pictures from today, which is supposed to be the children-friendly day, showed the best of the incredible array of fashion statements.
A special children’s parade with kids dancing through the streets also went ahead, complete with ‘dutty mas’.
Dutty mas or ‘fun mas’ is the phrase used to describe dancers covered in brightly coloured paints and powders.
Over the course of the weekend, around two million people are expected to attend the free event which goes ahead with the help of 40,000 volunteers.
‘Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant testament to the power of unity and the celebration of our shared humanity,’ said Notting Hill Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip ahead of the weekend.
‘It is a festival that breaks down barriers, builds bridges and showcases the very best of our multicultural society.
‘For generations, the UK has been energised and enriched by the contributions of those who have chosen to make this country their home.
‘From the Windrush generation to the present day, immigrants have been the lifeblood of our economy, the backbone of our public services, and the spark for our cultural renaissance.’
He added: ‘Notting Hill Carnival was born from the Caribbean community’s desire to combat racial tensions and celebrate their heritage, it has grown into a beloved national institution that attracts millions of visitors from across the globe.
‘It stands as a powerful reminder of how diversity strengthens our society and fuels our creativity.’ (Metro)