On Sunday, 26th August, the police made 133 arrests and seized 20 weapons as chaos erupted at the Notting Hill Carnival.
On the first day of the famous Notting Hill Carnival, the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police made 133 arrests, 42 of which were due to drug offences and 20 on weapon possession.
Police have been granted extra stop and search powers under Section 60 due to the surge of violence in the city over the past week, giving them the power to search anyone if they believe there is a chance of serious violence. As well as this, around 7,000 officers were stationed around the carnival on Monday in order to prevent further violence at the busy event. Under cover police and officers from the force’s firearms were also present to reinforce security. It has been stated that the carnival was policed by the largest number of officers in six years, with 6,100 on hand on Sunday.
Commander Dave Musker – who was responsible for controlling the carnival – said:
“I am confident that the Section 60 order imposed yesterday prevented these dangerous items being brought to Carnival, and based on the intelligence at my disposal, I consider it proportionate and necessary to ensure a safe carnival today. The use of this authority will reassure our communities that we are constantly working to protect them. It will also send a message to those intent on committing acts of violence that we will robustly target them”
Throughout the two days, the event attracted a huge amount of people to see the music, food stalls and various other amenities that the carnival has to offer. Despite the multiple arrests and other obstacles faced at the event, the numerous attendees did not let this prevent them enjoying the event thoroughly.
- By Emma Logan, Editor of Wellbeing
- Sources: The Evening Standard, The Times, ITV
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