The Metropolitan Police have made 423 arrests over the two days of the Notting Hill Carnival in London, amid incidents that included two stabbings. The stabbings occurred at Powis Terrace and Oxford Gardens, but police have confirmed that neither resulted in life-threatening injuries. This year's event saw more arrests on the second day, with 223 by the early evening, compared to 200 the previous day.

A significant proportion of the arrests were made at the carnival itself, alongside others on the approaches to the event. The offences covered a wide range, including 32 arrests for assaults on police officers and 46 for possession of offensive weapons. There were also 18 arrests related to sexual offences, 146 for drug-related charges, five for robbery, and a variety of other violence-related offences. The Met has acknowledged that the number of serious violent incidents was lower than in recent years but stressed that the operation remains ongoing and that there is no room for complacency.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, who led the policing efforts for the carnival this year, commented that a proactive policing approach had been taken. This included the use of live facial recognition, knife arches, and stop-and-search powers, resulting in the identification and arrest of over 400 suspects. He credited these interventions with preventing some of the serious violence seen at previous carnivals. Ward also praised the organisers and community figures who had spoken out against violence ahead of the event, helping to foster a safer environment.

While the Metropolitan Police reported two stabbing incidents, other sources reported a higher number of stabbings during the carnival. The BBC, for example, documented eight stabbings over the course of the event, including two critical injuries, with a total of 334 arrests predominantly related to weapons possession and drug offences. The Metropolitan Police itself later released a statement indicating eight stabbings occurred and highlighted 61 assaults on officers during the event. This contrasting data suggests evolving figures as the police update their incident logs over time.

The event, often celebrated for its vibrant cultural expression and community spirit rooted in Caribbean heritage, has faced challenges with violence and safety over the years. Historical data indicates a pattern of fluctuating violence and arrests: the 2023 carnival recorded 10 stabbings and 275 arrests, while in 2024 there were two fatalities and 349 arrests. The Metropolitan Police have increasingly deployed advanced technologies and stronger preventive measures in recent years to mitigate risks, including live facial recognition and preemptive arrests ahead of the 2025 carnival. In one notable pre-event operation, 100 arrests were made along with the seizure of firearms and knives, demonstrating a robust intelligence-led enforcement strategy aimed at safeguarding the event.

The organisers of Notting Hill Carnival have condemned the violence, reaffirming the event's values of peace and community celebration. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged the violence but also emphasised that the vast majority of attendees enjoyed a positive experience. The government has also responded by introducing measures targeting knife crime, underscoring ongoing efforts to tackle the root causes of violence around major public events.

The extensive police efforts, combined with community cooperation, continue to define the delicate balance of maintaining the carnival’s cultural vibrancy while prioritising public safety. As the policing operation concludes, authorities remain vigilant, aiming to learn from each year's challenges to better ensure a safer carnival experience in the future.

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Source: Noah Wire Services