Notting Hill Carnival – Stabbings: The Notting Hill Carnival, one of London’s most vibrant and anticipated cultural events, was overshadowed by a series of violent incidents over the weekend, including multiple stabbings that left several individuals critically injured. On Sunday, three stabbings were reported, with one of the victims being a young mother who was with her child at the time. She remains in critical condition. The violence continued into Monday, with five more people stabbed, two of whom sustained critical injuries.
The Metropolitan Police reported that a total of 50 officers were injured during the carnival, which drew more than one million attendees. Most of the arrests made were related to the possession of offensive weapons and drug offences. Authorities noted that while the majority of carnival-goers had come “to celebrate,” a “minority of people” used the event “as an opportunity to commit crime, including violence.” Thousands of officers were deployed to the annual street party, which the police described as a “challenging event to police with very dense crowds.”
Despite the significant security measures in place, the event saw a surge in violent incidents. The Notting Hill Carnival’s organizers issued a statement condemning the violence, stating that “there is no excuse” for such behavior and emphasizing that “that is not Carnival.” They highlighted that Carnival is about the “people who dedicate so much time, love and incredible creativity to the parade, sound systems, music, food, and costumes.”
The organizers further explained that the carnival is meant to provide “community cohesion, a place for young people to gather, create and express themselves, and for all generations and communities to come together, all year round.” The event also significantly benefits London’s economy, generating £369 million according to a recent study. In total, 104 people were arrested on Sunday, with the number of arrests rising to 230 by Monday.
Among these incidents, two victims sustained slash wounds, and one attack involved a corrosive substance. Police also recovered three firearms and made 49 arrests for possession of other weapons. One notable arrest involved a man wanted for attempted murder in Hackney. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan expressed frustration over the recurring violence at the event, stating, “We are tired of saying the same words every year. We are tired of telling families that their loved ones are seriously injured, or worse. We are tired of seeing crime scenes at Carnival.”
The 2023 carnival saw eight stabbings and a total of 275 arrests. The violence and chaos have become a troubling pattern in recent years, with one person killed, 14 others stabbed, and more than 125 police officers assaulted during the previous two carnivals. Around 500 arrests were made during those two years. To combat the rise in crime, measures were implemented this year, including granting officers greater stop-and-search powers and the authority to order the removal of face coverings. Despite these efforts, the event was still marked by significant violence.
The Metropolitan Police emphasized that they had worked closely with event organizers for months to ensure the safety of the carnival. Meanwhile, the Kensington and Chelsea Council reported that the cleanup after the event was extensive, with rubbish collected equivalent to the weight of about 27 London buses. Approximately 30% of this waste is expected to be recycled. As the city reflects on the violent incidents that marred the carnival, authorities and organizers alike are left grappling with how to prevent such occurrences in the future while preserving the celebratory spirit of the event.
News from tbc15.com
