UK
Police ‘tired of saying the same words’ as Notting Hill Carnival ‘marred’ by violence
The Metropolitan Police has urged the public to come forward if they can help prevent any further violence at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
The force said the annual event in West London celebrating Caribbean culture was “marred by unacceptable violence” on Sunday after three people were stabbed, only “narrowly avoiding a fatality”.
One of the victims – a 32-year-old woman who remains in a critical condition in hospital – had been attending with her young child on what was supposed to be the “family day” of the celebrations, police said.
A 29-year-old man also remains in hospital in a non-life threatening condition, while a 24-year-old man with non-life threatening injuries discharged himself.
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A total of 103 arrests were made across Sunday for violence, robbery, sexual offences, drug offences and possession of offensive weapons, and 18 officers were assaulted.
Now the Met is appealing to anyone aware of any criminal activity planned for Bank Holiday Monday’s event to alert them.
The streets of West London have been filled with dancers for the annual celebration of Caribbean culture. Pic: Reuters
Deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “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.
“Carnival is a community event and the vast majority of people come to celebrate, to dance, to enjoy music and have a fantastic experience.
“It is the responsibility of all who value this event, who want to see it as the celebration it should be, to speak out and speak up about the violence that continues to overshadow it.”
The senior officer called on those with information either about Sunday’s stabbings or any plans for Monday to come forward, adding: “It is no exaggeration to say that you could save a life by doing so.”
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Around one million people are expected to attend Carnival over the two-day period, billed by its organisers as “the greatest community-led event on the planet”.
It is one of the longest-running street parties in the UK, beginning in the 1960s, and is free to all, culminating in a large parade on the Monday, filled with vividly costumed performers, music and dancing.
A section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, will be in force in the Carnival area until 2am on Tuesday.
A section 60AA order is also in force, providing officers with the power to order the removal of face coverings being used to conceal a person’s identity.