Violence at London’s Notting Hill Carnival – reputedly the largest street festival in Europe, which celebrates Caribbean culture – poses a “real risk to public safety” according to a new report.
The latest event, in August 2016, saw four stabbings so serious the victims nearly died. Four hundred and fifty arrests were made.
Despite this evidence, supporters of the carnival, which takes place over two days each August in a network of streets surrounding some of London’s most expensive residential properties in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, have accused its detractors of “racism”.
Today, some twitter users were quick to claim the report was part of a conspiracy to close down the carnival.
One, under the name Imperator Carrots, wrote: “Yet again – Fuck the police and their racism.”
Another, Malcolm Richards, wrote: “Once again our institutions are under attack. They’ve been waiting a long time to get Notting Hill Carnival.”
A third, under the name Brexit Watch, wrote: “The goal is to move/kill Notting Hill Carnival. To do this, release a report to spread fear and divide. Sit back relax, let public do the rest.”
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee report said the carnival’s arrangements had to be radically rethought if it is to survive in its current form. It has grown enormously since it was first held in 1966 and now attracts 50,000 performers and about a million visitors, requiring 7,000 police officers to be on duty at taxpayers’ expense.
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said overcrowding and a rise in violent crime were the main problems it faces.
“Each year, and last year was no exception, we came exceptionally close to a major catastrophic failure of public safety where members of the public would face serious injury,” Met Police public order commander David Musker told the committee.
“Public concern about the level of crime at carnival is nothing new. But we are now seeing a rise in more serious and violent crimes: this year four stabbings almost became murders,” the report said.
“Traditionally, the vast majority of offences have been related to theft and drugs. The number of violent crimes, however, is rising. Several of those violent incidents were serious and nearly resulted in loss of life: something that has not happened at carnival in over a decade.”
Last August, the Metropolitan Police Federation said its officers experienced “dread” of policing the carnival. In 2016, 43 officers were injured at the event – eight of whom required hospital treatment.
