London's Notting Hill Carnival, three stabbed, woman sustains life threatening injuries
On Sunday, police made 90 arrests in connection with the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street festival. The arrests included 10 individuals for assaulting emergency workers, 18 for possessing offensive weapons, and four for sexual offenses. "While hundreds of thousands of people attended the Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy a vibrant celebration, a small minority chose to commit crimes and engage in violence," stated the Metropolitan Police.
During the first day of the carnival, three people were stabbed, including a 32-year-old woman who is in critical condition. A 29-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a 24-year-old man's condition remains undetermined. Additionally, 15 police officers were assaulted, although none sustained serious injuries.
The carnival, celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture, attracts over 1 million visitors annually to the streets of Notting Hill in west London. Approximately 7,000 police officers have been deployed for the event, which concludes on Monday.
In response to the violence, police have been granted increased search powers to prevent further incidents. The new measures allow officers to demand the removal of face coverings used to hide identities, with non-compliance resulting in arrest.
The Notting Hill Carnival, heralded as "the greatest community-led event on the planet," is known for its festive spirit, but recent events underscore the challenges of ensuring safety amid large gatherings.