29 August 2023 , 15:15
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Shocking footage shows a gang of youths, one holding a suspected machete, in violent scenes at Notting Hill Carnival on the weekend.
Crowds fled as the yobs, dressed in black and mostly wearing balaclavas, caused chaos at the end of the festival in the capital. Some 75 police officers were targeted in further violence, branded "absolutely disgusting" by Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file staff.
Six of these were bitten, one was sexually assaulted and another hospitalised, the federation said, as the last day of the festival was "marred by serious violence". Police said a 29-year-old man was in critical condition after he was stabbed near Kensal Green, west London; though it has not been confirmed if this was an officer or a civilian.
A 19-year-old man was stabbed in nearby Ladbroke Grove shortly before 8pm and remains in a serious, but stable condition in hospital. Meanwhile, six other men - aged 18, 19, 20, 25, 28 and 40 - were stabbed in separate incidents. They sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A hooded gang member attacks a young male on the last day of Notting Hill Carnival (Chris Strickland)In stills from a video taken yesterday, a boy is seen waving what appears to be a huge machete in the air. As the boys run away, police on horseback try and chase after the group, with a large crowd watching on.
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A Met spokesperson said this evening: “We are aware of a video shared online which shows a male assaulting another male while armed with a large knife. Officers are investigating and will continue to work closely with partners to prevent this type of crime taking place at Carnival.”
A total of 275 arrests across the two days, the force also confirmed. On Sunday, there were 110 arrests for offences including possession of offensive weapons, assaults including on police officers, possession of drugs and sexual offences. One man sustained a non-life-changing slash wound, but turned down help from the emergency services.
Officers also acted quickly to intercept a group who was in the possession of a firearm. They seized the weapon and arrested a man. On Monday there were a further 165 arrests for a similar range of offences. Police also revealed there were further assaults on cops, including sexual assaults, while the officer who was bitten had to be treated in hospital.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who oversaw the policing operation, said: "It is regrettable that for a second year in a row, Monday night at Carnival has been marred by serious violence. Nobody disputes the significance of Carnival on London's cultural calendar and the overwhelming majority of those who came will have had a positive experience. However, we cannot overlook the stabbings, sexual assaults and attacks on police officers that we have seen.
"As we do following any major operation, we will be reviewing the events of the past two days and giving thorough consideration to what may need to change in future years. It is important to recognise the positives that we can take away from the event. I am pleased that by working in close partnership with the event organisers and the stewarding teams, we were able to closely monitor crowd density and intervene in an effective way to prevent any incidents of crushing at peak times. I would like to thank all the officers who have worked so hard over the weekend to keep people safe.
"Carnival is a challenging policing environment. Officers were asked to be vigilant and alert but to be approachable, respectful and sensitive at the same time. They did all of that and more and they deserve our recognition and our thanks." But prior to this, detectives had praised the "positive" and "good-natured" atmosphere across the weekend. Throughout the decades, the tradition has continued and while gentrification has forced many of the country’s black and Caribbean communities out of the now multi-million-pound neighbourhood, the vibrant weekend stays alive.
Ahead of the celebration, Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip defended its links to crime. He told Mirror: It's a very safe event, despite what you’d normally see. Things have changed, even last year, with the tragic incident that happened. There will be people who are always anti-Carnival but things are changing." He referred to the death of talented rapper Takayo Nembhard, who was tragically stabbed in front of revellers in an unprovoked attack in 2022.
But Mr Phillip added: "I think that’s [the perception] improved over the years. We took over in 2018, and coverage before was very focused on problems. We set out in earnest to change that narrative and challenge some of the things being said and speak to people about the positive things of Carnival. I grew up in Carnival so always thought the media was being unfair."
The organisers of Notting Hill Carnival said they "deplore all acts of violence" following spate of stabbing incidents at the festival over the weekend. Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said those who carried out the attacks "have nothing to do with Notting Hill Carnival or its values". Two men are in hospital, one in a critical condition, after incidents at the carnival, which was held on the streets of west London on Sunday and Monday.
The statement said: “Notting Hill Carnival has once again been a spectacular weekend of colour and sound, the culmination of a year’s long work, that results in this hugely important and unique cultural event. Carnival is about these communities and people, who dedicate so much time, love, incredible creativity and effort to the parade, sound systems, music, food, costumes and much more that makes up the event.
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"We deplore all acts of violence, these people have nothing to do with Notting Hill Carnival and its values. Tragically, these incidents are all too common in our society. Last year the Office for National Statistics shows that 12,786 knife offences were carried out in the capital over the 12 months to the end of March, this sadly affects us as much as any community. We will continue to work hard with our partners to protect Notting Hill Carnival and the people who make it so special."