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Notting Hill battle line as riot mob attacks
Elizabeth Hopkirk and Aline Nassif, Evening Standard26.08.08
Thugs fought running battles with police at the end of the Notting Hill Carnival.
A group of 40 threw missiles, bricks and bottles at officers in clashes last night that left two police officers injured.
One witness said: "It was a full-scale riot. Bottles were flying everywhere. Carnival-goers and police officers were bloodied. A policewoman was carried off unconscious. Another had a two-inch gash above his eye. He was staggering and supported by two colleagues.
"The mob weren't scared. They were running towards the police who were chanting 'one, two, three' and charging them. It was like a war zone. I haven't seen anything like it at the carnival since the early Nineties. It reminded me of the Brixton riots."
A total of 383 people were arrested over the carnival weekend and nine officers received minor injuries. More than one million people attended the event over three days.
The trouble last night began just after 8.30pm in Ladbroke Grove, forcing uniformed officers to call in riot police as the crowds rounded on them.
Chief Inspector Jo Edwards slammed the violence as "unacceptable".
She said some of the mob had been arrested but officers will be studying CCTV to pick out more trouble makers.
She said: "It is really disappointing because despite the thousands of people who came to enjoy the carnival, there was this small element who came along using the carnival and darkness as a cover to commit crime. It was completely unacceptable and unfortunately members of the public got caught up in this. It just spoiled it for everybody."
The majority of arrests over the weekend were for public order offences, carrying offensive weapons, possession of drugs and theft. One person was arrested for possession of a firearm.
The arrests were up from last year's total of 247, but Ms Edwards said: "The vast majority of reported crime was as a result of the stop and search powers we were using.
"Although we had a few assaults reported, they weren't serious."
Tougher crime-fighting measures, included the use of more metal-detector wands and arches.
In a separate incident, a teenager was beaten and stabbed and scores more injured.
The boy was chased by a gang of youths in Clifford Gardens, just yards from where City lawyer Tom ap Rhys Price, 31, was stabbed to death in a robbery two years ago.
Melissa Johnson, 18, said: "I heard people screaming and swearing so I came outside. He was lying on the ground on his back with his head on the side. There was blood all on his face."
A spokesman for the Met said the victim's injuries were serious but not life-threatening. There were no arrests.
A total of 53 people were arrested by British Transport police conducting operations at Tube stations in and around the carnival.
Officers detained 180 youths in Harleyford Road, near the Oval, who were believed to be on their way to cause trouble at the carnival.
The police bussed 151 to south London police stations where they were detained until the carnival was over.
A further seven were arrested for possession of knives or for public order offences.
Ambulance staff treated more than 300 people, taking 75 to hospital.
Police seized 21 dangerous dogs. Knives, a Taser gun, CS spray and a baseball bat were among the weapons confiscated.
The violence last night was in stark contrast to the hugely successful carnival.
Kerry Conway, 25, a teacher from Earlsfield, said: "I've really enjoyed the food and the dance. The atmosphere is electric."
Her partner John Lehanee, 25, a plumber, added: "I'll definitely be coming back next year." Lucas Fiddaman, 24, from Australia, said: "This is the best party ever. I've bumped into so many friendly people and had a laugh. The costumes were so bright and everyone was completely in awe."
Mary Nelson, 26, said: "It's a melting pot for lots of different ages and races. It's also a symbol of world-wide cultures embracing the Caribbean."
Michael Williams from organisers London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said: "More than a million people had a great time.
"While this incident - which happened after the festivities were over and people were on their way home - is extremely disappointing, it is important that it should not overshadow what is Europe's greatest street party.
"We will be working with the police to look at exactly what happened and to prevent this happening in the future."
Reader views (40)
I am eighteen years old and it sickens me that the bottle-throwing knife-carrying "youths" that are mentioned in every news report are the ones seemingly representing my generation.
I worked throughout carnival in the midst of the chaos, having to stay at work until 10pm to protect the premises and get rid of vagrants that sat outside drinking beer. I watched as three dozen policemen stood searching everyone who came out of Kensal Rise station with a sniffer dog.
Yet every year I still find myself going to Notting Hill Carnival, as do the 1.5million other carnival goers, so there must be some attraction bringing them all in. Perhaps it's the relaxed attitude offering an escape from the PC world that we now live in, where even the simple game of conkers is banned for being hazardous. It's nice to have one weekend where people come together, regardless of skin colour or background to enjoy music and having a good time. London is entirely multi-cultural, and we should embrace that rather than complaining about some beer cans. It's a shame that the media prefer to ignore this and focus on all the bad points. Yes, there will be those ignorant pathetic few, but lets not let them ruin our fun and rob us of one of the few events that define London and make it one of the greatest cities in the world!
- A Tired Young Girl, Kensal Rise, London
The only people in favour of the carnival are those who don't live there. How would they like people using their homes as public toilets or rubbish bins. How would they like to have to park their cars miles away just to keep them safe and have their movements restricted.
- Paul, Notting Hill
I don't know why the media are reporting only 40 bottle throwing rioters, I've just been told by someone who was selling burgers from a burger van in Ladbroke Grove it was over 500 rioters against about 100 police officers until they got back up. On Monday night I was told people were shooting at the police a few streets up. Why is it that every year the media gloss over the real facts? When is this PC madness going to stop?
- Tara, Notting Hill, London
Its one thing to quote how many attended the event against the number of arrests, but not only have the number of arrests have increased by about 30% on last year but there would have been even more crime if scanners etcet had not been used. Another point only 10%of crimes are reported to the police and of that number very few are actually arrested,again if you have no way of knowing who assaulted you (Bottle throwing, being punched in a crowd) there is an even less likely chance of taking it up with the police so the figures may seem lowish to some but wise up to what is the reality.
- Jason Bierce, richmond Surrey
First and for most lets look behind the headlines 450 arrests 1.5 million attended over two days. Too much emphasis on the trouble and not on what a great two days.
Get rid of the static sound systems, they have nothing to do with the real carnival.
The carnival committee need to come out of the dark ages and encourage more people to take part, especially young people getting involved in costume making, writing song for bands, playing new instruments. If the Carnival was better promoted pre-carnival it could kick start the careers of future set designers, song writers, musicians, arts, technical personal, event organisers, accountants, pr and marketing, etc. Better links between the school, colleges, etc to get involved.
At grass roots level the carnival organisation can be a closed shop, and you would be surprise the amount of people I know that did not know they could take part, how do they take part?
2012 is around the corner and at worst the carnival will play no part in it, at best it could play a big part.
The space in which people move around within the carnival has been made smaller and that has not work. So for one year, lose the static systems, let the trucks and the troupes more freely, as the people moving from one sound system to another criss crossing through the street parade would not exist and you should see a difference.
Carnival is about dressing up having fun and moving from A to B and not side to side.
- Kensal Green, london
Tara in Notting Hill. Why attack? I live on Ladbroke Grove, and have lived in the area for 15 years....far from "ignorant".
If you also live in the area you should know it's better to leave (or be at home) before it gets dark and leave those who want to fight to themselves.
Today our streets are clean.
- Carnival Goer, Ladbroke Grove, London
I have lived right on the Carnival route for many years and let me tell you straight being a resident in this area during the Carnival is a LIVING HELL. There is ALWAYS some violence (3 years ago I thankfully missed being SHOT at in my car by about 5 seconds). The place stinks, the vibrations of the sound systems causes the walls of the houses to shake (and crack!) and although the Sunday is good natured, by the Monday there is a sense of menance in the air and it kicks off (even if in the past the incidents have been smaller than yesterday's disgusting events). Residents are expected to accommodate the carnival without a bye or leave and have to give up their residents parking (which they have paid for) without thanks or compensation. I used to stay in the area for carnival but the increasing violence and unbearable mess (used condoms and needles in my front garden! nice!) have pushed me out and I have to pay a fortune to go away over the entire weekend and take the Tuesday off work as one cannot get back into the area on the Monday evening.
SO to all you non-residents who plainly have no compassion or sense yes please ban the Notting Hell carnival as we residents call it and give us some damn peace to enjoy our law abiding lives without louts and criminals ruining every single August bank holiday weekend!
- Julia, Ladbroke Grove, London
I'm sick and tired of always reading about the negative side of youth crime. There are hundreds of people like myself doing something positive about it - but do you think we can get the Evening Standard, London Lite, London Metro, London Paper or any of them to publish our stories?
This Saturday, 30th August, there are over 100 of us - normal citizens who've had enough - coming together to celebrate what we the people can do to prevent youth crime and to raise funds for a new youth foundation coming to London called stepUP. Not ONE newspaper has run any article or mentioned it. If you'd like to come along and support us, together, we can take action in a positive and action-orientated manner to break this wave of violence our youths are caught up in.
- Tracy Stallard, Notting Hill, London
Stuart there is not more trouble outside football grounds - any trouble relating to football cctv images are published and people are looked up for long periods as recently happened in Croydon. Now lets do the same here - publish the photos and lock them up.
However will it happen - i doubt it as the youngsters involved were black and the authorities continue to be scared to do anything to upset anyone.
Its time Notting Hill Carnival was cancelled.
- Roberta, London
The carnival is a disaster for Notting Hill. I live here and attend the carnival most years (I have to, since I can't go away for 3 days due to work). I see children being stamped by youths who are drunk and/or on drugs. I also witness outrages acts of violence. I invite all of you onto my terrace, which sits on top of one of the hiphop djs during the event. You can spend the time counting the bottles that are thrown randomly into the crowd and the outbreaks of fights (5-10 minutes intervals). Unbelievable.
- Konstantin, London, Notting Hill
Amen to "Resident ,Ladbroke Grove, London UK".
People just don't realise what the people that live in the area have to go through! Its just a huge street party to visitors, but to people that live here its a week long event....and as for the trampled food, greasy smell in the air for 3 or 4 days, and the urine...! I live in a basement flat and have to clear up the mess left by "revellers" myself. The council cleans up at street level, but thats it! I arrived back home to my basement flat this morning (and the usual stench) after running for the hills 3 days ago, to find noodles, chicken bones, beer cans, corn cobs, coconuts, bottles, polystyrene containers etc all over the floor outside my front door. I rang the council to ask if this mess was going to be cleared up- their response was "no, its the responsibility of the individual tenants in the basements to clear up the mess". I'm in a basement flat for disability reasons, and why should I have to clear up after an event that I detest? Sorry, I know that's not on the subject of the riots, but it just got my goat (the uncurried variety!)
Some people leaving comments on here REALLY have no idea!
By the way- I don't think carnival should be stopped or banned, just moved to a policeable controlled area and not held in a densely residential streets.
- Adrian, Notting Hill, London
Well done Alex Pavlovic. This is the 2nd time I have been to the Notting Hill Carnival. I went a few years back on a Sunday and found little evidence of a 'Carnival' taking place - what I did find was thousands of people, aggressively shuffling along packed streets, and seemingly going nowhere. There is little evidence to support claims that the festival is a 'celebration of Caribbean culture' bar for a few over-priced bbqs selling jerk chicken and rice, and the empty cans of Red Stripe lager that litter the streets of one of London's most picturesque areas.
I went to the festival on Monday this year, hoping that things might have changed, that there might actually be a reason worth visiting, that I might miss out on something if I stayed away - what a disappointment. There was an overbearing aggressive atmosphere fuelled by Red Stripe, amphetamines, and the presence of countless wannabe 'gangsters'.
With a bit of luck, these wannabe gangsters will have done enough this year to ensure that 2008 sounds the death knell of this vile 'carnival'.
- East Londer Goes West, Sratford, England
I used to go to the Carnival but I don't any more, the trouble that always breaks out at the event spoils it for me.
As for those who say it is a peaceful event - there are thousands of crimes that are unreported each year. This is an environment where people can do almost anything and get away with it.
How many crimes would there have been if the police had not stopped the mob at the Oval?
I can't blame anyone for not attending the Carnival, we have all seen the disgusting behaviour on TV of youths with knives in the past attempting to stab each other. This is supposed to be fun?
- John, London
I had riot police running up and down outside my house last night chasing some of the bottle throwing youths talked about in the above article. I walked to the end of the street to Ladbroke Grove which was covered in broken glass, I saw youths charging towards and provoking the police up until midnight. The sound systems are supposed to be turned off at 7pm but went on until 9pm which kept people in the area. Yes, Carnival is fun and exciting apart from innocent people who are assaulted and robbed but it's also the residents that bear the brunt of the disruption and mini riots that take place each year, something 'Carnival Goer' is ignorant of, residents cannot 'leave the area before dark' as we live here. We now have our trashed streets back to ourselves and the army of street cleaners who have already done a great job of cleaning up the mess although the pavements will take at least two months to clean up. How much does this event cost the hard working tax payer again?
- Tara, Notting Hill, London
When is jack straw going to apologize for not standing up for the police? Ever since the slur of being INSITUTUAL RACIST was unjustifiably levelled at them they have had to suffer the taunts and abuse. Mainly from the people who seems to think they can do as they like, knowing their skin colour will protect them.
- John Green, Nottingham uk
Ahmed - have you got any facts whatsoever?
"People [calling for a ban]...probably" haven't been to the carnival, meanwhile you absurdly state there "is more trouble at football grounds every weekend" - where on earth is your evidence to back this up?
Utterly ridiculous speculation.
- Stuart Dean, Beckton, London
It proves yet again that it really is time to abolish such outmoded events such as this that are really no more than an excuse for the terrorists, drug dealers & thugs in general to reappear and cause chaos.
There are enough problems in this country at present with hoodlums running wild without adding to the scene.
- Anthony John Calladine, Weston Supermare
The Organisers will say the Carnival was a success, but 450 arrests, stabbings, thefts, running Battles with police prove it must be stopped or moved, once more the residents of the area wake up to the smell of trampled food and urine,the carnival lasts for 2 days for those who do not live in the area, and a week for those who do.
- Resident,Ladbroke Grove, london u.k.
Why not have a "no glass" rule for next year's Carnival?
- Tina, tinalondontina@gmail.com
Has This London got something against the carnival because each year, and without fail, it always focuses on a negative event that may have happened at the carnival and reports little on the positive aspects of it?
As is typical, the headline of your story is misleading and negative and I have noted that where there has been no violence to report on in the past, any article you have done on the carnival is shunted to the back pages of your paper, and not on the front page, even though the carnival is one of the biggest events that occurs in London!
For god sake - at least 1 million people attended the event over the two days and there was only one stabbing. Contrast this with a football match where 50,000 people or so attend and the violence there is much worse! Long live the carnival, and this is coming from someone who lives close to the route!
- Jane Harriot, London
If this was a 'white' event it would never in a million years get a license to proceed. I used to live in Maida Hill in the nineties and my street initially had a float for the kids on the Sunday. As the years passed though the Mondays became horrendous living just off the Harrow Road, with the Asian-owned off license regularly getting steamed by black kids and the police so scared of appearing racist they didn't even chase them off let alone arrest them. As time went on the Offy was boarded up for 'Carnival' and I'd go away until the Monday night usually returning to a street covered in glass and police helicopters overhead until about 5am Tuesday morning.
- Squiz, Islington
Superb deductive reasoning, Ben Dodd - not liking the Notting Hill Carnival (or simply just recognising that unpleasant elements pervade it, multiculturalism notwithstanding) can hardly be equated to wanting to pull down Big Ben or the Tower of London.
At neither of those venues have there been riots (in recent history, anyway).
- Helen, London, UK
Well done Alex Pavlovic. I'm sure you'd like to level Big Ben and tear down the Tower of London too. The Carnival, for the most part, celebrates all that's great about Britain. Just because a few idiots try their best to ruin it, doesn't mean the majority should be punished for their sins.
- Ben Dodd, West Ealing, London
Last time I went, I saw a group of young thugs barge through the crowd, when a woman commented one of the thugs turned around and punched her, it was one of a number of events I saw that day. I swore I would never go back or support it again, such a shame for something that could be great.
- Ben, London, UK
There's always going to be trouble in a small area filled with millions of people who are drinking eating and dancing especially when its all for free. I wish the media would report something positive instead of always finding fault and scare mongering. All of us British people should be proud and continue to celebrate our multi-culturalism, instead of whinging about it
- Carnival Supporter, London
As a Notting Hill resident that has to evacuate my flat each year for at least 3 days (either that or be vibrated across the lounge on my sofa for the whole event!), I think this event should be moved to a better controlled closed off area.
Every year the amount of arrests and trouble are dumbed down by Kensington and Chelsea council and event organisers. Apparently the carnival brings in £91 million for Londoners....but how much does it cost to police, organise and clear up, and how much do the 300+ arrests that happened this year cost to process?
You might say that I have no right to complain seeing as I moved here after the event started 40 odd years ago, but some people are housed here without much choice in the matter. I know for a fact that there are a good majority of local residents that leave the area for the event- is any thought given for them. Not in my experience!
And as for the 40 rioters.....I say stop policing the event and let the rioters get on with killing each other- scumbags!
- Adrian, Notting Hill, London
This event should be stopped. Every year they spoil it for themselves and others and they no longer deserve to be entertained.
- Emma, London
The carnival was great this year. People who are calling for carnival to be banned, probably have never been to one.
There is more violence at football matches every weekend. Why don't they ask for matches to be halted?
- Ahmed, London
Get this thing out of Notting Hill, if it is to continue at all. Put it in Hyde Park, or somewhere else more suitable for rioting.
- Phil Jones, London UK
I think it's time these guys need to relax, chill out and have a think about some alternatives. Maybe listen to some different music, pick up a book, do a bit of travelling. A spot of anger management wouldn't be a bad idea either.
- Ben Farrell, London
Does anyone know who pays for the policing of this event? Is there not a case for moving it to a park somewhere and charging an entry fee? This would surely help to minimise the violence and the consequent bad publicity that seems to follow every year. There is no excuse for this. There are plenty of other festivals in London e.g. Gay Pride, which take place without violence.
- Andrew, London
Imported crime we seem totally incapable of dealing with it. Put PC on the back burner and lets get back control of our streets.
- Mike, London
My first time at the carnival, and a huge success. Was a little cautious about going due to similar reports to this one in previous years, but ended up dancing away, Saturday to Monday. Great food, great atmosphere, amazing sound systems. It was really something to see such a mix of people all having a great time.
The police men and women that I saw were helpful and respectful of revellers, and their presence was - for me - welcome.
247 arrests out of 1,000,000 people (less than 0.025%)...surely no different to the many overseas football matches before, after, and during which British yobs cause havoc.
- IF, London
Great advice, Carnival Goer - if you are decent and law-abiding, you had better pander to the base instincts of scum and take yourself off home so that you don't get hurt! Clearly, it is the fault of those injured that they were in a public place at the same time as those pathetic excuses for human beings who will resort to violence on any occasion, carnival or no.
- Helen, London, UK
Alex of Perivale - just curious, have you ever experienced Carnival first hand? Or just the negative media reports?
The history and spectacle of Carnival is a fantastic thing, and being the second biggest street party in the world it is something London should be proud of.
Unfortunately trouble makers are there, but generally it is after dark when the real Carnival is over and most people have gone home.
Look for the positive media reports on the costumes, music, dancing, food and smiles...and if you've never been, go some time, it's wonderful!
- Carnival Goer, London
Sorry, did I read this correctly - "Over the weekend 330 people were arrested during the largely trouble free event". How many would have been arrested if there had been trouble? A thousand? If 330 people had been arrested in a two day period anywhere else in the country there would be an outcry, and quite rightly so, yet somehow Notting Hill is 'different'. I wonder why.
- Exmetofficer, London
I think it's time the community had a rethink. Maybe take a break and explore some alternatives. Perhaps anger management would help too.
- Ben Farrell, London
It's time to call a halt to this event. It has only been allowed to continue this long because of "political correctness" rather than common sense. It shames this country.
- Alex Pavlovic, Perivale ,West London
I'm off to William Hill to put £10 on that every one of those arrested scream racism.
- Jimbob, Kensington
Both days were fantastic. The huge crowds behaved in a calm and respectable way. Most people were out for a good time and that's what they had.
We also got caught up in the bottles being thrown on Monday night. We didn't see any injuries, but maybe people should remember to leave the area before dark so not to get caught up with the minimal few who want to cause trouble when the party is over...
With over a million people...well done London, you party well together!
- Carnival Goer, London
