Nearly 170 people detained during Notting Hill Carnival's opening day
Police reported 169 arrests on the first day of London's Notting Hill Carnival, citing drug, weapon and assault offenses, including attacks on emergency staff.
On the first day of the two-day Notting Hill Carnival, the Metropolitan Police recorded 169 arrests for offenses such as drug and weapon possession, assaults—including on emergency personnel—and sexual crimes. Police also dealt with two knife attacks that left a leg and a hand injured, though neither injury was life-threatening. A van was set ablaze, prompting the London Fire Brigade to dispatch four fire engines and 25 firefighters.
Security measures this year featured 7,000 officers, a ban on 330 attendees, seizure of dozens of zombie knives, and an extra £4.6 million from City Hall for more stewards and expanded CCTV. Met Police Commander Claire Smart said cooperation with organisers reduced serious violence compared with previous years, while the force described the overall atmosphere as largely positive. Carnival chief executive Matthew Phillip criticised the event for being unfairly blamed for crime, and Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the festivities as larger and more vibrant than ever.
Why it matters
The high number of arrests highlights ongoing safety concerns at a major cultural event in London.
In this story
