Police have made four arrests at Notting Hill Carnival and a man has been stabbed (Picture: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
A man has been stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival in west London today.
The victim, aged in his 20s, was attacked as one of the capital’s most famous events was marred by violence on what has been dubbed its ‘family day’.
Police say they have already arrested 38 people at the event, while four knives have been confiscated.
The Met Police said on X: ‘While the majority at today’s event have come to enjoy themselves, a number of people regrettably have not.
‘Officers have so far made 38 arrests and have recovered four knives.
‘A man believed to be in his 20s has been stabbed. His injuries are not life-threatening.’
Extra measures have also been authorised giving police greater powers to stop and search partygoers – and prevent further violence.
Police have made 38 arrests at the event (Picture: Martyn Wheatley / i-Images)
The Met Police has recovered four knives from festival goers (Picture: Oliver Quartly / Story Picture Agency)
The Met added that a Section 60 order will be in place for the carnival area from 6.05pm to 2am.
In anticipation of violence, the force has deployed 9,000 officers to manage the scores of revellers.
A police spokesman said yesterday: ‘Carnival is one of the world’s most significant street festivals. Every year around a million people come to celebrate and take part in what has become a fixture in London’s cultural calendar.
‘But for many reasons it is also a challenging event to police with very dense crowds and a regrettable history of a minority of people using it as an opportunity to commit crime, including violence.’
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Thousands of police officers are deployed for the event (Picture: Getty Images)
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for this year’s event, said of the task of policing at previous carnivals: ‘It was a challenging environment to work in and one which over the past two years has seen more than 500 arrests, 15 stabbings including one that was fatal, and more than 125 police officers assaulted.
‘These incidents can’t be downplayed or dismissed. It is for that reason that anyone going to Carnival will see a very significant policing presence.’
It comes as the masses descended on the city with vibrant colours drenching the streets for the annual Caribbean-themed fiesta.
The party, which always falls on August bank holiday weekend, fully kicked into gear on Sunday with the main parade.
West London is packed for Notting Hill Carnival (Picture: Reuters)
A three-and-a-half mile march went through most of W10 from near Westborne Park Tube Station all the way to Ladbroke Grove.
Thousands of performers have been showing their talent, while the iconic wacky costumes are out in force for its 56th edition.
Flamboyant outfits are on show everywhere you turn, while steel bands, sound systems and dancers are entertaining crowds.
Pictures from today, which is supposed to be the children-friendly day, showed the best of the incredible array of fashion statements.
There were some incredible costumes on display in the Children’s Day Parade (Picture: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
A special children’s parade with kids dancing through the streets also went ahead, complete with ‘dutty mas’.
Dutty mas or ‘fun mas’ is the phrase used to describe dancers covered in brightly coloured paints and powders.
Over the course of the weekend, around two million people are expected to attend the free event which goes ahead with the help of 40,000 volunteers.
‘Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant testament to the power of unity and the celebration of our shared humanity,’ said Notting Hill Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip ahead of the weekend.
Drumming bands have been performing (Picture: Mark Thomas/Shutterstock)
This particular group were dressed in bright pink outfits (Picture: Sinai Noor/Shutterstock)
‘It is a festival that breaks down barriers, builds bridges and showcases the very best of our multicultural society.
‘For generations, the UK has been energised and enriched by the contributions of those who have chosen to make this country their home.
‘From the Windrush generation to the present day, immigrants have been the lifeblood of our economy, the backbone of our public services, and the spark for our cultural renaissance.’
Look at all those bright colours! (Picture: Guy Bell/Shutterstock)
Brass bands are performing (Picture: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)
He added: ‘Notting Hill Carnival was born from the Caribbean community’s desire to combat racial tensions and celebrate their heritage, it has grown into a beloved national institution that attracts millions of visitors from across the globe.
‘It stands as a powerful reminder of how diversity strengthens our society and fuels our creativity.’
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