Five people were stabbed during the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.
Out of the five victims, two are in critical condition, including a 32-year-old woman who remains in a life-threatening state after being stabbed on Sunday.
In addition to the stabbings, there was also an incident involving a corrosive substance, as reported by the Met.
Police were busy during the event, making a total of 230 arrests on Monday, with 49 of them for possession of offensive weapons. They also seized three firearms, and 35 officers sustained injuries during the carnival.
One significant arrest made was of a man wanted for attempted murder in Hackney back in July. The individual was spotted and apprehended by police officers.
The carnival attracted thousands of attendees who enjoyed the colourful festivities, music, and dancing. However, a heavy police presence was noticeable following the stabbing incidents from the previous day.
Security measures were in place, with some attendees passing through metal-detecting “knife arches” upon arrival. Police officers were stationed throughout the area, and a helicopter monitored the event from above.
In a statement, the police confirmed that they were successful in seizing weapons during the carnival. They stopped a car in Harrow believed to be heading to the event, where a firearm was confiscated, and two individuals were arrested. Another firearm was seized later in the day at one of the entry points.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, a senior Met officer expressed frustration at the recurring violence seen at the carnival. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan stated that officers narrowly avoided a fatality and urged attendees to report any criminal activity.
The officer emphasised the need for a safe environment at the event, highlighting the previous day’s incidents where three people were stabbed. Adelekan acknowledged the efforts of the police force in maintaining security but stressed the importance of cooperation from carnival-goers.
Over a million people were expected to attend the carnival over the bank holiday weekend, with around 7,000 officers deployed to ensure public safety. The annual event, known for celebrating Caribbean culture and history, has been a tradition for over 50 years.
