Notting Hill Carnival: More than 350 arrests amid ‘hottest ever’ weekend

Three dozen people detained for assaulting police, Met says

Over 350 people have been arrested during the course of Notting Hill Carnival which took place on a bank holiday which saw record temperatures.

The greatest number of arrests – 162 – were for possession of drugs, and 37 were for assaults on police officers.

Police were given special powers on Monday at the Caribbean carnival billed as Europe’s biggest street party, allowing them to stop and search people without immediate cause.

Commander Dave Musker, the officer in charge of policing the two-day event, said the powers were a temporary measure to keep revellers safe.

He said: “Carnival is one of London’s best attended events, celebrating the diversity of this amazing city and everything that it stands for. The weekend brings together a wide range of people from all over the capital, and beyond – and we have worked closely with the event organisers to ensure that everyone who attends has a safe and enjoyable time.

“We would like to thank all those who took to the streets to celebrate everything that the Carnival stands for in a kind and considerate manner, however a small number of people attempted to ruin the event by bringing dangerous weapons with them.

“Thousands of officers worked some very long shifts in over 30-degree heat this weekend to keep visitors safe and I am extremely proud of their dedication, professionalism and positivity; especially with the weather conditions being particularly challenging.”

Some performers in the parade were carrying spray bottles filled with water, and stewards accompanying the bands handed out bottles of water to dancers decked out in colourful feathers.

Commander Musker said: “Although I am happy with the smooth running of the festivities, I am, once again, extremely disappointed that a number of people feel that they can assault my officers who are working in very difficult circumstances to try and protect everyone in attendance. Officers put themselves on the frontline and should, under no circumstance be assaulted for protecting the public. We will adopt a zero tolerance approach to any assault on police officers.

“It is for reasons like this that I authorised a section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order authority across the Notting Hill Carnival geographical area and areas of Harrow Road on the Monday (26 August). My job is to ensure everyone participating and attending can enjoy Carnival safely and the use of this authority provides reassurance to communities that we are constantly working to keep them safe.

“We also increased the number of screening arches to deter those who may have been planning on coming to the event, armed with an offensive weapon.

“I am very pleased with the results of the screening arches and the Section 60 order; a number of offensive weapons were taken off the streets by my officers and a total of 353 arrests were made over the course of the weekend, which we expect could rise.”

He added: “I would like to thank our colleagues at the British Transport Police and City of London Police for their support over the weekend. I would also like to thank our colleagues at London’s Ambulance Service for their hard work in looking after carnival-goers who had suffered injuries and dehydration in the extreme heat.

As of 10pm on Monday there had been a total of 353 arrests across both carnival days.

On Sunday there were 111 arrests, and on Monday there were 242 arrests.

Breakdown of overall total:

37 x Assault police

2 x Drink drive

2 x Criminal damage

31 x Public order

34 x Offensive weapons

10 x Theft

162 x Drugs

10 x Sexual offences

5 x Robbery

5 x GBH

14 x ABH/ Common assault

40 x Other

30 Met police officers have suffered minor injuries at Notting Hill Carnival, the force said.

Agencies contributed to this report