Police hunt hate mob of Notting Hill

Scotland Yard released CCTV pictures of 14 of the mob who marred the closing stages of the event, and appealed for help in identifying them.

More than 40 officers were hurt in the trouble - one of them needing 30 stitches and surgery to his face. Most police injuries were minor.

The trouble erupted on the last night of the carnival on Monday 25 August when hundreds of officers, who had been policing the carnival in normal uniforms, were faced with an angry mob of up to 50 people hurling missiles at them.

Rank-and-file officers later complained they had been left exposed by their bosses without riot shields or helmets.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, who was in charge of the policing operation, said: "These officers were just standing there. They did not have protective gear on and they had spent two days looking after the crowds.

"There was no justification for these attacks and that is why I am determined to bring them to justice. We have identified 45 suspects from CCTV and we will search for them and charge them with serious public order offences.

"They need to know we will identify them and take them before the courts however long it takes. I will also ask for Asbos to ban them from attending any future carnivals."

The officers came under attack in Ladbroke Grove, near the Westway and Cambridge Gardens.

A large crowd had gathered around a sound system that had stopped under the Westway where the music was enhanced by the echo.

Until the trouble erupted the carnival had been relatively crime free, with no stabbings or shootings.

The number of crimes involving robbery, theft, or violence fell 30 per cent this year to 190 offences.

Anyone with information should call the investigating team on 020 8246 0053 or 07747 472071, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.