Dozens of arrests have been made across several west London boroughs ahead of the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend.

As part of a police operation at 4am on Tuesday (August 22), officers from two boroughs carried out intelligence-led proactive operations resulting in 29 arrests, mainly on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

Many of those arrested could have bail conditions imposed banning them from attending the Carnival, where Metropolitan Police "super recognisers" will attend along with additional officers in the CCTV control room looking out for those prohibited over the two-day event.

Dawn raids ahead of Notting Hill Carnival - male arrested
Men are arrested after police carried out searches at addresses in Lewisham

Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met's spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, said: "Today's operation is aimed at ensuring that those who intend to cause trouble at Carnival are prohibited from doing so.

"We are committed to ensuring that Carnival remains a safe, vibrant and enjoyable event; troublemakers are not welcome. We will be uncompromising in our operations to keep our communities safe and secure.

"People can expect to see operational activity right up until, and throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

"Basic advice to those coming is to look after your belongings, and in particular, keep an eye on your mobile phone."

Police evidence is bagged outside an address in Lewisham during series of dawn raids ahead of Notting Hill Carnival
A police officer at an address in Lewisham, south east London, after a series of dawn raids took place ahead of Notting Hill Carnival.

Police from Kensington and Chelsea raided 21 addresses across four boroughs and made 18 arrests.

The targeted areas were in Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Wandsworth.

Meanwhile officers in Lewisham executed eight warrants and had eight individuals arrested.

Police were assisted by the Territorial Support Group, Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and the Dog Unit, as well as colleagues from City of London Police and British Transport Police.

In the run up to the Carnival and as part of the Met's movement to tackle violence and knife crime there have been a number of operations since Friday August 11.

So far police have made more than 290 arrests and recovered 190 knives and 18 firearms.

Further activities will continue during the week including weapon sweeps, stop and search, youth engagement and ANPR operations.

A man is arrested at a London address after a series of dawn raids took place ahead of Notting Hill Carnival

There will also be increased police activity on the rail networks.

British Transport Police (BTP) assistant chief constable Alun Thomas, said: "We are looking forward to Notting Hill Carnival this weekend and our officers will be on hand to ensure everyone travelling to and from the event can do so safely.

"During the Bank Holiday weekend we will have increased police activity on the railway network - if you need us whilst you are travelling, you can discretely text 61016."



Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, added: "Notting Hill Carnival is world-renowned as a fantastic celebration of the capital's community, diversity and vibrant history.

"We are sending a clear message to the small minority who may be planning to commit violence or other crimes that this will not be tolerated.

"As we continue our work to tackle serious youth violence in London, these operations are crucial in helping to prevent any more tragic deaths on our streets, and making sure this year's Carnival is better, and safer, than ever before."

Police at the Notting Hill Carnival
Police carry out intelligence-led operations making hundreds of arrests ahead of Notting Hill Carnival in west London

Superintendent Bill Duffy, from the City of London Police, said: "We're keen to ensure a safe and enjoyable Notting Hill Carnival for everyone attending, as well as the local community, and we're committed to working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to make this a reality.

"This successful and important operation will go a long way to helping us achieve that aim of ensuring the Carnival is a great event for all."

While officers will be on duty throughout the weekend anyone concerned or who sees anything suspicious should report it to an officer.

If you know anyone who is planning to use Notting Hill Carnival to commit crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to help us keep the event a safe celebration.

Always call 999 in an emergency.police