Eight stabbings on last day of Notting Hill Carnival
Eight men were injured in separate stabbings on the last day of Notting Hill Carnival after police said the “positive atmosphere” at the festival was “marred” by a series of violent events towards the end.
A 29-year-old man was left in critical condition in hospital after a stabbing in Warfield Road, just off Harrow Road, at around 9pm last night.
A 19-year-old was also in a serious but stable condition in hospital after he was stabbed in Ladbroke Grove at around 8pm.
Six other men – aged 18, 19, 20, 25, 28 and 40 – suffered non-life threatening injuries after they were stabbed in separate incidents throughout the evening.
There were 275 arrests made across the two days of carnival for offences including possession of offensive weapons including a firearm, assaults on police officers, possession of drugs and sexual offences.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ade Adelekan, said: “It is regrettable that for a second year in a row, Monday night at Carnival has been marred by serious violence.
“Nobody disputes the significance of Carnival on London’s cultural calendar and the overwhelming majority of those who came will have had a positive experience.
“However, we cannot overlook the stabbings, sexual assaults and attacks on police officers that we have seen.
“As we do following any major operation, we will be reviewing the events of the past two days and giving thorough consideration to what may need to change in future years.
“It is important to recognise the positives that we can take away from the event.
“I am pleased that by working in close partnership with the event organisers and the stewarding teams, we were able to closely monitor crowd density and intervene in an effective way to prevent any incidents of crushing at peak times.
“I would like to thank all the officers who have worked so hard over the weekend to keep people safe.
“Carnival is a challenging policing environment. Officers were asked to be vigilant and alert but to be approachable, respectful and sensitive at the same time. They did all of that and more and they deserve our recognition and our thanks.”
Pictured top: Crowds during the Children’s Day Parade at Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday (Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire)