The annual Notting Hill Carnival, London’s largest street festival, was marred by violence as eight people were stabbed and hundreds arrested during the three-day celebration last weekend.
On Monday, the final day of the world-renowned event, the Metropolitan Police reported five stabbings, following three incidents on Sunday.
Three victims were left in life-threatening condition.
Law enforcement made at least 230 arrests on Monday alone, including 49 for possession of offensive weapons. This followed numerous arrests the previous day.
Three firearms were seized, and 35 officers sustained injuries during the event, which typically attracts around a million attendees over the August bank holiday weekend.
The figures are comparable to last year’s carnival, which saw 10 stabbings and approximately 300 arrests.
Despite the violence, hundreds of thousands of revelers filled the streets of Notting Hill and surrounding areas, celebrating with vibrant costumes, dancing, and music.
The carnival featured feathered dancers, steel bands, and powerful sound systems, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Approximately 7,000 officers were deployed to oversee the event, which has a history of violent incidents, particularly knife crime.
The Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ade Adelekan, expressed frustration, stating he was “tired of saying the same words every year” after a woman attending with her child was among those stabbed.
“We only very narrowly avoided a fatality,” he added, urging carnival-goers to report any crimes they witness.