Three individuals are currently in critical condition after being stabbed during the Notting Hill Carnival, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture that took place over two days.
The first incident occurred on Sunday when a 32-year-old woman, who was with her young child, was stabbed near Westbourne Park. Police quickly responded to the scene and provided emergency medical treatment before she was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Initial investigations suggest that the woman may have been caught up in a fight between two groups of men, although it is unclear if they were known to her. A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and violent disorder, while two other men, aged 24 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
In addition to this incident, two other individuals were injured on Sunday, including a 29-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries and a 24-year-old man whose condition remains unknown.
The violence continued into Monday, with five stabbings reported on the second day of the carnival. Two of the victims are in life-threatening condition, with one attack involving a corrosive substance. Despite the Metropolitan Police not providing specific details about the locations of these incidents, they confirmed that all the stabbings occurred within the carnival’s footprint. A total of 49 arrests were made for possessing offensive weapons, one arrest for possessing a firearm, 35 officers were injured, and 230 arrests were made in total.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, has called for the public’s assistance in providing information about the violent incidents. She expressed concern for the woman who was critically injured and emphasized the importance of the early stages of the investigation, especially in the context of a crowded event like the carnival.
The investigation into the incidents is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously. Despite the violence that marred the festivities, authorities are determined to ensure the safety and security of future carnival events.
