Two held over Notting Hill Carnival stabbings

Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder yesterday after the most serious bout of violence to hit this year's Notting Hill Carnival.

A fight near the annual west London festival late on Saturday led to three stabbings, with one victim remaining in a critical condition last night.

The 35-year-old man, who has not been named, was taken to hospital fighting for his life after an altercation between a number of men led police being called to North Pole Road at 11:15pm on Saturday.

Two other victims were also taken to separate hospitals, where they were said to be in a serious but stable condition last night.

Two men, aged 22 and 27, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, but they were rearrested yesterday for the more serious crime of attempted murder.

It was one of a slew of knife crimes to mar the party atmosphere over the weekend.

A 20-year-old man was stabbed in the back and buttocks in Ladbroke Grove – his condition was serious but stable – and a 14-year-old boy "slashed with a sharp object" in Golborne Gardens, according to the Metropolitan Police.

A 16-year-old girl also sustained a superficial leg wound in Wornington Road but later discharged herself from hospital.

Meanwhile a group of around 34 people were detained at King's Cross underground station yesterday in order to prevent a potential breach of the peace at the event.

The Met said it "was suspected they were heading to the carnival to commit disorder". Fifteen of the group were arrested.