By Chris Williams-
The Notting Hill Carnival was marred by violence following seven stabbings and gang warfare after a beautiful day in lovely weather that defied gloomy forecasts predicted by weathermen in the 34 hours prior.
Crowds fled as yobs, dressed in black and mostly wearing balaclavas, caused chaos at the end of the festival in the capital. Some 75 police officers were targeted in further violence, branded “absolutely disgusting” by Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file staff.
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Footage of various scenes of violence were share online, showing the ugly side of the annual event set up for celebrations and social enjoyment,
There were seven stabbings at the event, and 85 arrests on Sunday, on the day of the children’s event, and a police officer was sexually assaulted whilst another was bitten.
A 29-year-old man remains in critical condition in hospital following a stabbing in Warfield Road just after 9pm on Monday.
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Another man, 19, is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after he was stabbed shortly before 8pm in Ladbroke Grove.
Six other men, aged between 18 and 40, sustained non-life threatening injuries in separate attacks on Monday evening as the Notting Hill carnival drew to a close.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said on Sunday, the atmosphere was “largely good natured” but that some “used to opportunity to commit offences”.
There had been 85 arrests in total by the end of the night, including 18 for drugs, 11 for sexual assault, 26 for possession of an offensive weapon and 10 alleged assaults on police officers.
A Section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, was introduced shortly after 6pm in an effort to prevent violence and to keep Carnival-goers safe.
The decision was taken following a number of arrests for possession of offensive weapons and after consultation with community representatives and partner organisations.
Dept Asst Comm Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said: “Preparations for Carnival began many months in advance and I am grateful not only to the many thousands of officers who are deployed over the weekend but to the partners and community representatives we work closely with.
“As ever we saw very large crowds who made their way from across London and beyond. The atmosphere was largely good natured and positive with the overwhelming majority of people having an enjoyable and safe experience.
“Regrettably there will always be some who use the opportunity to commit offences. Our officers will respond decisively where this takes place which is evident from the 85 arrests made thus far, a figure broadly consistent with what we would expect at this stage of a Carnival weekend.
“Carnival should be a safe environment for all and I am saddened that we have seen 11 arrests for sexual assault. Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for the Met and it has been a focus of our event planning. We have officers out among the crowds during the event to identify offenders.”
He said the Met was working with Safer Spaces, an organisation that operates at events across the UK, to provide areas where women and girls can go to seek advice from trained professionals and where appropriate, police officers.
He said 654 people made use of this service during the day on Sunday.
“I am also disappointed that 10 of the arrests are for assaults on officers who are working diligently to keep everyone safe. It is unacceptable that they should be the target of abuse or assaults and we will provide those affected with the necessary support,” he added.
“Our policing operation continues as we move into Bank Holiday Monday and we will once again have officers deployed across the local area throughout what we expect to be a busy day with significant numbers of people attending.
“I am grateful to them and to all involved in the event for their continued hard work and dedication.
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