Notting Hill Carnival marred by violence as eight stabbed, hundreds arrested

Notting Hill Carnival faced violence (X)

The annual Notting Hill Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture in west London, was marred by violence this weekend. Eight people were stabbed, and hundreds were arrested, according to the Metropolitan Police.

This followed three stabbings on Sunday, leaving three victims in life-threatening condition.

On Monday, officers made at least 230 arrests, including 49 for possessing offensive weapons, following numerous arrests the previous day. The event, which draws around a million attendees each August bank holiday, saw three firearms seized and 35 officers injured.

The policing numbers were similar to last year when there were 10 stabbings and around 300 arrests.

Hundreds of thousands of revellers packed the streets of west London for the carnival, filling the Notting Hill neighbourhood and surrounding districts with colour, costumes, dancing, and music.

Around 7,000 officers were on duty for the event, which has repeatedly been marred by violence, particularly knife crime, though it is enjoyed by the vast majority without incident.

However, the Met's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was "tired of saying the same words every year" after a woman attending the carnival 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.

The celebration of British Afro-Caribbean culture traces its roots back to the 1950s, following the first surge in arrivals from former British colonies post-World War II.

Feathered dancers, steel bands, and earth-shaking sound systems feature prominently in the vibrant yearly event.

(Inputs From AFP)