Despite the poor weather, thousands of revellers still made their way to London’s annual Notting Hill Carnival over the bank holiday weekend, several of whom ended up behind bars.
252 people were arrested over the course of the weekend, most of whom were arrested for drug offences. The Metropolitan Police said they were particularly concerned by the number of stabbings that took place this year.
Three men were reportedly stabbed while two police officers also suffered injuries. An additional eight people are thought to have also suffered from knife injuries. This eventually led to police using their stop and search powers to check people for weapons.
Chief of police Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “Although early indications are that reported crime is down at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, I am concerned by the number of stabbings over the weekend.
“Stabbings are up on last year and in some cases these are just centimetres from being a murder. Each will be thoroughly investigated and we will do everything possible to ensure those who brought trouble to Carnival are placed before the courts.
“Two of my officers were injured during an arrest yesterday and this shows the risks they must take. I would like to thank all the officers and support staff for their hard work in the most difficult of weather conditions. Their commitment is a major factor in ensuring the carnival is a safe and enjoyable event for the vast majority of those attending.”
The 252 arrests were for a variety of crimes, including criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and sexual assault. Carnival goer Mary Brandon was reportedly forced to spend nine hours in A&E after being groped then attacked by a man after she asked him twice not to touch her. The photos of her horrific injuries, which were accompanied by message against sexual harassment, have gone viral.
She said: “At Notting Hill Carnival yesterday a man in the crowd grabbed my arse,” she wrote, adding: “When I told him not to he did it again. I pushed him away, exercising my right to tell a man to stop touching my body without my permission, so he took a swing at me and punched me in the face.
Carnival is supposed to be about community and good vibes. I wanted to have a good time but instead I spent 9 hours in A&E because of this coward. I’m so pissed off that this man thought it was OK to hit me because I said no to him.”
