During the opening day of the Notting Hill Carnival in London, three individuals were stabbed, with one in life-threatening condition, according to the London Metropolitan Police Service. The incidents occurred on Sunday, with a 32-year-old woman hospitalized with critical injuries, a 29-year-old man in non-life-threatening condition, and a 24-year-old man whose condition was pending assessment at the time of the report.
The police reported that hundreds of thousands of people attended the carnival to partake in the festivities. Despite a carefully planned policing operation to ensure public safety, a minority engaged in criminal activities and violence. Fifteen officers were assaulted during the event, but none sustained serious injuries.
Law enforcement made a total of 90 arrests for various offenses, including assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons, sexual offenses, theft, robbery, assault, public order offenses, possession of drugs with distribution intent, and drug possession. Notably, there were four arrests for possession of nitrous oxide.
Prior to the carnival, police were authorized to order the removal of face coverings used to conceal identities, with non-compliance subject to arrest. The Notting Hill Carnival, a renowned celebration of Caribbean music and culture, draws massive crowds to west London annually. This year's event, held on August 25-26, featured colorful floats, calypso dancers in elaborate costumes, steel bands, and vibrant sound systems.
Originating in 1958 as a response to racist attacks on Black individuals in the Notting Hill neighborhood, the carnival has evolved into a grand street party showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. After two years of virtual celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the carnival returned to the neighborhood's streets in 2022, bringing joy and unity to attendees.
