- The Metropolitan Police reported 169 arrests as of 7.45pm on Sunday, for offences including possession of drugs, possession of weapons, assaults and sexual offences.
- Last week, the force said more than 7,000 officers would be deployed to west London over the bank holiday weekend.
- Despite the arrests, the Met stated that the mood at the event was overwhelmingly positive and celebratory.
- Most arrests occurred within the event perimeter, and officers responded to two knife assaults — a slashing to the leg and one to the hand — neither resulting in life-changing or threatening injuries.
- Commander Claire Smart, in charge of the policing operation, said the force had worked closely with organisers ahead of the carnival, leading to progress including in crowd management.
- Smart noted that the proactive approach resulted in a “welcome reduction” in serious violence compared to previous years, but added that “nobody involved in the delivery of the event is complacent”.
- Many officers remain deployed across the footprint to ensure crowds disperse safely.
The Notting Hill Carnival marked its 60th anniversary with a vibrant celebration, despite the Metropolitan Police reporting 169 arrests for various offenses, including drug possession and assaults. The police noted that the majority of arrests occurred within the event perimeter, with incidents including two knife assaults, though none resulted in life-threatening injuries.
Commander Claire Smart, overseeing the policing operation, stated, “While we have seen a significant number of arrests and interventions by officers, the result of that proactive approach is a welcome reduction in the levels of serious violence seen at the event in previous years.” The police had deployed over 7,000 officers to ensure safety during the festivities, working closely with event organizers to improve crowd management.
Despite the arrests, the overall mood remained positive, with police emphasizing that “nobody involved in the delivery of the event is complacent.” The carnival has faced challenges in the past, with 528 arrests made in 2025 and a history of violence, including stabbings and murders in previous years. However, this year’s proactive measures aimed to ensure a safer environment for attendees.
As the carnival continues, police remain vigilant, ensuring that crowds disperse safely while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the event.
“The Met reported two knife assaults, neither life-threatening, and Commander Claire Smart cited a 'welcome reduction' in serious violence from proactive policing. Last year saw 528 arrests over two days, while 2024 had eight stabbings including the murder of Cher Maximen.”
The Independent
