The Met Police commissioner has expressed worries over the increase in stabbings at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Despite a total of 252 arrests over both Sunday and Monday, reported crime was down compared to last year’s Carnival but the number of stabbings was up.
Police Commisioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: “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.”
Police have confirmed three serious stabbings, with one man fighting for his life as six other men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A total of nine others received knife wounds and a 33-year-old police constable was injured in the head and torso as he attempted to arrest somebody for suspected drug dealing yesterday (August 26) in Lancaster Road.
A 35-year-old female officer who came to his assistance was then injured in the torso and the pair have both been discharged from hospital after treatment.
On Sunday - which is traditionally the calmer day as it is Children’s Day - 104 people were arrested and yesterday (August 27), 148 people were arrested.
The most arrests (76) were for possession of drugs and possession with intent to supply drugs. The next highest was for public order (43) and there were 23 people arrested for possession of an offensive weapon.
Others included assault on a police officer, theft, GBH, sexual offences, criminal damage and other incidents such as drink driving.
On Tuesday last week (August 19), police arrested 126 people for gang crime, drug supply and firearms in a bid to keep Carnival safe.
The police commissioner added: “Our proactive operations in the days leading up to Carnival and the weekend itself were a great success and meant we were able to stop many crimes before they happened.”
The commissioner is set to confirm the number of this year and last year’s stabbings at Carnival later on today (August 26).
