Notting Hill Carnival ‘seen as opportunity to commit crime’, admits Met Police

About 7,000 officers to be deployed on streets over bank holiday after 275 arrests made in 2023

The Notting Hill Carnival is seen as a chance to commit crime, a senior Scotland Yard officer has admitted.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesman for the carnival, made the admission as the Met prepares to deploy 7,000 officers to keep the peace.
Eight people were stabbed, police officers were assaulted and 275 arrests were made during the event in 2023, prompting politicians to call for changes.
In 2023 Rishi Sunak, then the prime minister, said the violence showed the need for police and the courts to be given tougher powers to tackle “zombie knives” and machetes.
Last year Susan Hall, the Conservative Party’s London mayoral candidate, suggested that the carnival be held in a park rather than along streets.
In the past two years there have been more than 500 arrests, 15 stabbings including one death and more than 125 police officers assaulted.
“It is for that reason that anyone going to carnival will see a very significant policing presence,” Ms Brenyah said.
“Sadly, we know that for a minority carnival is an opportunity to commit crime or to seek out violent confrontation.”
About 7,000 police officers will be on duty with a million visitors expected.
Met officers drawn from local teams as well as specialist units will be supported by colleagues from the City of London Police and the British Transport Police, said Ms Brenyah. Protective boards have been attached to some buildings in the area.
“As a police officer on duty in previous years, I’ve seen both the carnival I experienced in my youth, but also the other side of the same event when, later in the day, the atmosphere changes in some parts, with floats and costumes giving way to serious violence,” said Ms Brenyah.
“Officers will be maintaining a vigilant presence in an effort to identify and intervene against anyone intent on committing violence.
“They will use their search powers where there are grounds to do so in order to take weapons off the streets.”
The event’s busy streets and dense crowds give sexual offenders more opportunities to target women and girls, Ms Brenyah said.
“We would urge anyone who is the victim of such an offence, or who witnesses it, to tell an officer as soon as possible so we can offer support and gather the best evidence,” she added.
“Once again this year, the charity Safer Spaces will be setting up zones to provide a place of rest or refuge for women and girls.
“Anyone who, for whatever reason, does not feel comfortable approaching an officer can seek support from the Safer Spaces team.”
Organisers have said previously that they “deplore all acts of violence” and will “continue to work hard with our partners to protect carnival and the people who make it so special”.
The event is one of the longest-running street parties in the UK and celebrates Caribbean culture, with vividly costumed performers taking part in a parade through the streets with dancing and music.