A woman remains in a critical condition after being stabbed at the Notting Hill Carnival, according to the Metropolitan Police. The 32-year-old was one of three individuals attacked on Sunday. A 29-year-old man is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and a 24-year-old man’s condition is yet to be updated by the authorities.
Police have arrested 90 people at the carnival so far, with 18 arrests related to the possession of offensive weapons. “Hundreds of thousands of people came to Notting Hill Carnival today to enjoy a fantastic celebration,” the police stated on Sunday night. They emphasised their officers’ role in maintaining safety through a meticulously planned policing operation. However, they noted that a small group attended with intentions to commit crimes and engage in violence.
Fifteen officers have been assaulted during the event. On Sunday night, they issued a Section 60 order, granting officers authority to demand the removal of face coverings used to conceal identities, with non-compliance resulting in arrest. Approximately 7,000 officers are on duty for the bank holiday weekend, with the force highlighting a “very significant policing presence” this year. An estimated one million people are expected at the carnival, which began in earnest with Children and Families’ Day on Sunday.
Carnival is heralded as “the greatest community-led event on the planet” by its organisers and started in the 1960s to unify London’s diverse communities. It stands as one of the UK’s longest-running street parties, celebrating Caribbean culture with a parade featuring vibrantly costumed performers, dancing, and music.
Matthew Phillip, chief executive of the Notting Hill Carnival, remarked that recent rioting and violent disorder underscore the importance of the carnival’s founding principles. “Carnival is the biggest celebration of inclusion and social cohesion that there is in the UK,” he stated, adding that it was established to unite communities from diverse backgrounds and continues to do so after nearly 60 years.
Earlier on Sunday, west London’s streets were filled with colour, costumes, dancing, and music as thousands of revellers participated in the festivities. Youngsters danced along the parade route in bright, intricate costumes. The annual celebration of Caribbean heritage, arts, and culture has been ongoing for over 50 years, with the main parade scheduled for Monday, marking the climax of the event with “party vibes.”
In the past two years, the Notting Hill Carnival has seen over 500 arrests, including 15 stabbings and one fatality, with more than 125 police officers assaulted.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Independent reports on the Notting Hill Carnival, highlighting the police deployment of 7,000 officers and the use of greater search powers, following a stabbing incident and 38 arrests, with the carnival attracting around one million attendees.(read more)
- Fox News reports on the chaos at the Notting Hill Carnival, with 8 stabbings, 275 arrests, and 75 police officers attacked, including six bitten and one sexually assaulted, amidst a backdrop of violence and disorder.(read more)
- The Guardian reports a woman in life-threatening condition after a stabbing at Notting Hill Carnival, amid concerns about violent incidents.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the woman at Notting Hill Carnival?
She was in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed.
How many people were arrested at Notting Hill Carnival?
Police made 90 arrests during the carnival.
What is the purpose of the Section 60 order?
It gives officers the power to remove face coverings to conceal identities.
How many officers are on duty for the Notting Hill Carnival?
Around 7,000 officers are on duty for the event.
What is celebrated at the Notting Hill Carnival?
The carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with dancing, music, and parades.