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Teenager stabbed as 750,000 enjoy Notting Hill Carnival
Felix Allen and Justin Davenport1 Sep 2009
Nearly 750,000 revellers enjoyed the Notting Hill Carnival at the weekend.
Police described the event as “remarkably peaceful”, with fewer people injured or arrested than last year, despite a 15-year-old boy being stabbed in a mass fight last night.
The teenager was found collapsed in Monmouth Road, off Westbourne Grove, with wounds to the leg, chest and stomach. He was in a serious but stable condition in hospital today.
The attack was one of a handful of outbreaks of violence after the parade last night, though none was on the scale of last year's rioting which saw dozens of people and police injured.
A brawl during an after-carnival party at the Elbow Rooms in Westbourne Grove ended in two men being injured, one suffering facial wounds from broken glass.
Gallery: The Notting Hill Carnival
Police also arrested a group of 38 youths suspected of plotting trouble and held them until the carnival ended.
Earlier a surprise performance by singer Ms Dynamite was cancelled because of safety fears.
Hot weather brought an estimated 500,000 people out yesterday, adults' day, and a further 220,000 took part in the children's event on Sunday.
The processions and floats had been asked to start earlier in an effort to clear the streets by nightfall to prevent trouble.
Scotland Yard, which mobilised thousands of officers in its biggest public order operation of the year, said arrests were 20 per cent down on last year.
Officers used cameras to track criminals attempting to drive to the event and set up airport-style metal detectors at Tube and bus stations.
In total there were 139 arrests yesterday and 76 on Sunday and police stopped and seized 38 cars.
The 215 total was a large drop from the 270 over the same two days last year. Officers also seized seven pitbull-type dogs from gangs.
Chief Inspector Jo Edwards, the Met spokeswoman for the event, said: “Nearly three quarters of a million people took to the streets and the overwhelming majority of people came along and had a great time.”
She revealed that officers had used CCTV to track several gangs of youths who were intent on causing trouble, at times throwing bottles at officers.
Among those arrested were the 38 who were detained at Victoria station just after 3pm.
The group of youths was taken by bus to a south London police station and released at 10pm.
The teenage knife victim was found shortly after 7pm as a fight broke out involving up to 40 or 50 youths.
One witness said: “They were throwing bottles and kicking each other. It was mayhem. Then they ran off.”
Violence erupted again shortly before 10pm in the Elbow Rooms. A club employee, who asked not to be named, said: “There were bottles getting smashed, blood pouring everywhere. There was one badly wounded black guy who was sitting with blood streaming from his head. I think he had been bottled.”
Speaking about last night's stabbing, carnival organiser Michael Williams said: “We absolutely condemn violence of any kind. It's important that this incident should not overshadow what is Europe's greatest cultural event.”
Gallery: The Notting Hill Carnival
Reader views (40)
nottinghill carnival is once a year when people can enjoy themselves and meet others.
of course you are going to get trouble but you do if you go down your local town on a saturday night.
the actual procession does not have the violence and the danger its those who use this one time a year that we are given to enjoy and use for there own ridiculous "beef" if you like, i have been going since i was 1yrs old and and am now 24yrs old with children of my own of which i take.
you get more violence at a massive football game than you do at nottinghill but thats ok to be forgotten and not spoken about. maybe those who arent willing to experience other cultures shouldnt attend and allow those of us to want to get on with it (yet you will still eat caribbean food holiday in barbados an tan up yourself) please double standards i think.
- Kala, bedfordshire, 03/09/2009 13:32
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I agree with some coments from residents.I am also a resident in Oxford gardens and every year for the past 30 years i have to "emigrate" from my home as it's imposible to live there for 3 days due to the unbearable noise,dirt and general bad behivor of visitors that at the end of the day will go back to their clean streets ant homes and leave behind all the dirt and broken bottles and rubish that stay on for months on end.When finally our streets are clean again ,is time for the new carnival.....
Please ,understand the feelings of us, residents of these streets.we are not racist but how would you like to have this orgy of foos and drink in your doorstep?
The council says every year that they are going to get tough on unlicenced alcohlo and food sellers but nothing happens and if you wish to see how it looks afterwards please come to my home at Oxford gardens and look for yourselves.It's frankly disgasting and the council only cleans the main streets like Ladbroke Grove and have someone told you how much it cost in our taxes?
Pleas,please,take this bloody Carnival out of our streets!!!!, with all respects, Jhonny
- Jhonny Bellevue, London, UK, 02/09/2009 15:23
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No mention of the crime committed just outside the "Carnival footprint". When you add them up it paints a very different picture and don't tell me it doesn't have anything to do with the carnival.
- Mike, Herts, 01/09/2009 22:51
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I was at the event on both days, sunday was peaceful, but monday was full of gangs and me and a friend got caught up as a gang were attacking someone on Portebello road then ran up a side road throwing botles and terriying people. I ran up in front of a house door. I heard the same happened on the north side of Ladbroke Grove from a work colleague.
Although i agree that the carnival can be a great day out, these mindless gangs ruin it so for many people and make it an unsafe event.
- Tal Shaki, Camden, London, 01/09/2009 18:55
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Absolutely loved Carnival this year!! I have lived in the area all my life and have gone every year since i was a child. I always wonder why people move to the area if they aren't fond of a huge multi-cultural event on their doorstep - its been here for 40 years! Of course there has been trouble over the years - most memorable for me was back in 89' after which the police decided it had to finish earlier than 10pm. I've also seen how the police can exacerbate the problems rather than resolve them. The violence as always tends to be fuelled by alcohol which is why much of the trouble comes at the end when people have been drinking all day, but its such a small percentage it'd be a shame to stop such a brilliant party on the basis of that.
It also generates huge income for the city, Transport for London, Westminster council(who make £000's in parking tickets!), local hotels, shops and traders.
Goodness knows we all need a party to cheer us up - if you were there you would've seen people of all colours, nationalites and cultures come together in peace and fun and it happens for one weekend in a year. Why deprive 1/4 million people of a great little shindig ? Ban football matches first!
- Englishblackbird, Westbourne Park, London, 01/09/2009 18:01
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Whilst I am pleased the carnival went off reasonably peacefully for a change I'd hold off on the comparisons to thugs at a football match when Trident officers still had quite a busy weekend elsewhere and it was deemed necessary to field eleven thousand police there - surely the most policed event in the country and why might that be - racism again i suppose ?
- Squiz, Islington, 01/09/2009 17:47
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What were the crime figures for the rest on London over the weekend any one know?
- Ziz, Farnham, 01/09/2009 17:31
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Veritas Noire: There is no racism is calling a spade a spade, as this festival has a reputation from past events. The vast amount of crime during this is committed by youths and / or gangs, the same ones that stab each other on a daily basis in and around the capital. Facts are facts and it is not racist to report the truth.
- Brandon Thomas, SW7, 01/09/2009 17:30
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Veritas Noire, Purley
Don't you know you should take all police statistics with a pinch of salt.
- David, London, 01/09/2009 17:14
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Stabbing and violence is always wrong and unwanted but the stats speak for themselves. 1 serious incident and 200 arrests at an event attended by 750,000 people. Compare this to the recent events at upton park where only 25,000 attended. The racists are choking on their own bile knowing that yet again their fellow knuckle draggers proved to be more violent and destructive than the overwhelmingly peaceful revellers at the carnival. Well done to the community and well done to the police. For all its faults London is the greatest city on earth and its diversity is one of its many strengths!
- Veritas Noire, Purley, 01/09/2009 16:39
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there you go . a peaceful carnival is possible !
it only required 10,000 police . (imagine a wembley arena full of uniforms!!!)
the police said it was a success. so would you if you could take the wife and kids to tenerife at half term with the overtime that it paid !!!!
- Clive, london, 01/09/2009 16:30
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what cash do these carnival lovers contribute to this event looking at the equipment on display it is not cheap event,it would be nice to see them put their money where they put their mouths.
- John Patrick Green, Nottingham, 01/09/2009 16:20
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As I said before the carnival I know was well behave to the max the police well it seems like all the keystone cops came from every were the kids CAN'T THEY BEHAVE THEM SELFS? Why the hell do they need to brings wepons of all sorts dogs ? please have they got any common sense? as for the concil and noise pollution ? why are they taking mearsurements they know its gonna be lound its one of those time when we Black people can let our hair down bring the times when we enjoy it from friday till monday but things are changing the way I see it it close early just a kiddies party well I rest my case kids if you cannot behave its your fault we older genneration been their we can behave but can you?
- Leroy, London, 01/09/2009 15:53
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What a suprise? Probably the first of many stabbings, mussings, rapes and other forms of crime at this once fun carnival that is now just a face off for many gangs and criminals.
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London, 01/09/2009 15:22
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lets do a bit of comparison . 50 miles up the road was the reading festival .it probably only needed policing by two retired village bobbies that didnt leave their panda car (cost £400). and notting hill carnival that required 11,000 police. cost, £ millions . the fact that there was "hardly" any violence , and "only" 200 odd arrests and "just" 1 person stabbed with a knife , is down to 11,000 pairs of eyes and ears , so i wouldnt pat yourselves on the back just yet . just imagine the carnage if the 2 retired bobbies were the ones in charge at the carnival , or the vicious gang of 38 "carnival goers" had managed to get past police at victoria and not have to spend the afternoon in the cells.
- Nai, london, 01/09/2009 15:03
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I was at the carnival yesterday and yes, i felt a lot of tension and in danger as well. While walking I saw lots of gangs around and a couple of very annoying episodes. one was really scaring, since showers of bottles started to fall down from sky, and I guess that wasn't God throwing them.
I must say that most of the tension was caused by the massive presence of the police, standing everywhere and ready for action. then the little -and more and less ridicolous guys- were of course ready to provocate the police at any time and to use their knifes and fight.
in general, if I may express my opinion, i don't know what's wrong in the UK, I love this country, but in general it seems to be impossible to have fun and enjoy urself as everywhere else in Europe...go to barcelona or berlin and learn how to enjoy urself without getting drunk and start to punch people around!!!!
- Yeka, london uk, 01/09/2009 14:30
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This is Great Britain and not a backwards law-less shanty town. I find it disgusting and dangerous that the real crime statistics are not reported correctly. A lot of the crime that is committed at this event is not even reported. Stabbings and robberies are rife at this event. Victims of crime at the carnival are so scared that they would much rather go home then report the crime to the police.
I am not against anyone from having fun. Like I said before I live in the Ladbroke Grove area and I want it moved elsewhere because of health and safety reasons.
It’s unfair to expect the residents to tolerate rude, hostile and ill mannered people.
How would you like it if I urinated all over your doorstep?
How would you feel if I poured gallons of cooking oil all over your street?
How would you feel if I threw my rubbish all over your garden?
How would you like it if I crashed into your parked car?
How would you feel if your daughter was almost gang raped by these gangs of men?
How would you feel if the incessant noise went on for hours passed the official deadline?
This behaviour goes on for two days and no one listens to the residents. Why should I clean up after you?
- Joyce Jerome, Greater London England, 01/09/2009 14:22
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I live in Notting Hill and this is my 5th carnival. Sunday is the day for me. It's busy but not overwhelming and scary. Monday until around 4pm is great too, but after that the party always seems to take a bit more of an agressive tone. At 7 pm last night we were watching the soundsystems roll by on Kens Park Rd and Arundel Gardens when a pack of kids charged down and overtook the street and taking out anyone in their way. Next thing we knew we were pinned up against a wall with 20 people dodging glass bottles being thrown. We made it home and then watched from our window as another fight erupted on Colville Terrace with kids just pinging bottles at eachother. I had a great time as always this year, but these incidents left a bad taste in my mouth. Still, I love carnival in Notting Hill and think that although the area gets trashed, it's an amazing event that should not be moved. A more realistic idea would be to ban all glass bottle sales in west London for a few days before the event and confiscate any glass over the 2 days. People can drink their beers in cans and I don't have to worry about a flying bottles.
- Marc, Notting Hill, 01/09/2009 14:10
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No matter what the venue, one stabbing is one stabbing too many. But considering the event, it seems that the policing before and during the Notting Hill Carnival was very good.
- Mark H, London, England, 01/09/2009 14:07
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This was my second year running that I have been to Notting Hill after previously going to Leeds WI carnival and although I can understand the frustrations of the residents for lots of reasons I totally enjoy the experience and will be back next year. You will get the idiots at almost every large event that are not there for the right reasons. Luckily I have not been in the areas where any trouble has been and can honestly say I have only witnessed thousands of people having a great time. I think it is a shame that people feel the need to call it a "stab fest" and those that do have most likely never attended, we are all now well aware that stabbings happen regulary all over the country and is a completly different social issue not confined to the carnival once a year. If the organisers can get the balance right with the residents and the police can keep ahead of the thugs as they did this year then there is no reason for this not to go on for many years to come.
- Daz, Peterborough, Peterborough, Cambs, 01/09/2009 13:58
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"Suprise suprise!! The racists are out in full force yet again."
Not racists,just people who want a peaceful bank holiday weekend.
- Stephen, London, 01/09/2009 13:58
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"Remarkably peaceful" 200+ arrests+! stabbing. What does it cost to police this exercise in "diversity"?
- Les, Middlesbrough, UK, 01/09/2009 13:40
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As a resident and homeowner, living right by the start of the carnival, its always a great buzz around and very fun to see the build up and be part of this. I invited all my friends over, and we had a party and joined in the celebrations all day long, each day. I didnt see a single slice of trouble, not once. The police were great, friendly but firm , and everyone danced along slowly when it got busy and packed out, but we all got to where we wanted to go!
It was the best one yet, and with an event nearly double the size of Glastonbury, its amazing that there was very little trouble. Sorry there was, but its an element of our lives with or without a carnival.. The floats were amazing!!
The food was great and to hear this music and vibe on my doorstep is fun, its so nice to be part of something so iconic.. Moving it to a park is ridculous, and a sign that people need to take it easy and enjoy themselves, if they live in the area..although if you didnt want to stay, there should be a budget for hotels in London, for residents to go, as it is impossible to sleep with the 24 hour noise if you have to work, or have small children etc, and the police to board up your house, so no accidents happen!
Thanks to everyone involved, we loved it!
- Hannah, Westbourne Park London, 01/09/2009 13:28
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One group of idiots in a group of nearly a million is pretty good going by anyone's standards.
- Bob, Cheam, 01/09/2009 12:52
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Please give me a break! Fenced areas and all this rubbish talk.
There was almost a million people of all colours enjoying themselves. I was there on Monday and it was such a joyfull peacefull event.
most of these against carnival have never been to one and don't know what they are talking about. Of course you will fights in any large event. But no difference to the English drunking hooligans who fight every Friday and Saturday nights all over Britain. so get off your high horse. Is it that its a mainly black organised festival thats upsetting you?
- Ahmed, London, 01/09/2009 12:32
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750000 people... 1 stabbing... a few fights...
Rewind... Milwall v West Ham... a tiny fraction of the carnival number... contained in a stadium... bloody violence and thuggery!!!
Get a life people!
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 01/09/2009 12:07
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This year was my second Notting Hill Carnival experience, and I went both on Sunday and on Monday. It was pleasant on Sunday, lots of people, lots of fun - walked through most streets and everyone was in great form. Left at about 7pm once the music stopped, and getting home was a lot easier than I had thought it would be - seemed much better organised this year. Went up to Notting Hill again yesterday (Monday) and it was noticeably busier, a lot more people about. However, there seemed to be alot more police visable too. Even with more people, things were calm and friendly and most enjoyable. My three friends and I found ourselves right in the middle of most crowds dancing and having a great time. There was one potential incident that was quickly watered down before it started which we were relieved by. Police seemed to come out of nowhere to break two youths up. Very efficiently! We spent from 2pm to 8pm on the streets and felt safe and had a great time. Such a great event, would be sad to see it go. Saying all that, it's a shame people were attacked and injured. But that is not what the Notting Hill Carnival is about (anymore), it was an absolute joy to be at and I can't wait for next year.
- Roisin, SW London, 01/09/2009 12:04
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this is a sad and tacky affaire where noise tries to make up for a complete lack of any musical talent. This is a grubby opportunity for the police to make massive amounts in overtime at the tax payers expense whilst the cash economy flourishes with drugs and fast junk food. The numbers are grosly exaggerated.
- Mark Armstrong, london. uk, 01/09/2009 12:03
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I wonder how many knives where found and how many sent to
prison?
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh Essex, 01/09/2009 11:58
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The entire event should be contained by fences and charge entry. Entry should only be by confirmed address ie using a rate charge form as evidence.
The Organisers should either ballot residents to see if they want this event in their neighbourhood and if they do the residents must be given monetary organisation by the organisers, if not the event must be held in a non-residential area,
It would be good to see this event move round the UK so that the misery can be equally shared !
- James, London, England, 01/09/2009 11:38
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There was a fight involving 20/30 teenagers within 10 minutes of arriving at the carnival yesterday and in full view of the police. My girlfriend was hit by a bottle being thrown before they all run into the crowds. Yes a truly wonderful event full of thugs looking for trouble! Never again!
- Marc Alberts, London, 01/09/2009 11:33
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Suprise suprise!! The racists are out in full force yet again.
720,000 people attend AND ONE STABBING!!! ITS A STAB FEST!!!
Christ some people need to get a life, grow a brain, chill out a little and try to enjoy themselves sometimes...
- Jason, London, 01/09/2009 11:31
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It looked like hell on earth.A living nightmare.
- Steve, London, 01/09/2009 11:16
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Nah,the whole miserable event's a total waste of time and resources.
- Eddie, London, 01/09/2009 11:13
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We all know it's a stab fest and I personally would not go there. It's time it was totally cancelled for good. The streets of Ladbroke Grove cannot cope with the sheer amount of people. As a resident of that area I should not be forced to tolerate noise, urine, rubbish, murder and mayhem on my doorstep.
The Latin American festival in South London is a good example of how to conduct an event of a similar size. It takes place in an open air park. There is adequate room for everyone to manoeuvre and it ends at a reasonable time. No residents are adversely impacted by this event.
- Joyce Jerome, Greater London England, 01/09/2009 10:57
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I had a great time. Fantastic atmosphere. One sour point was the Fat Badger pub which charged people to use the toilet 'all day'. Having paid and used the toilet, I went back later to be told I needed a wristband as it was now 'evening'. What awful liars and it was good to see the pub so empty. The DJs there were playing awful music whilst outside a sound system was playing great music for free. What are idiots like the Fat Badger doing?
- Todd Swift, London, 01/09/2009 10:40
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Charge people 50 quid to watch and try to keep out the troublemakers. I personally would not go within 5 miles of this drunken orgy of thieves and knife carriers. I though you went to jail for carrying a weapon or was that just another looney labour promise.
- Never Eat Tuna Again, London, 01/09/2009 10:39
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Its horrible. But being the Notting Hill carnival this is what happens. its the only place that crews can meet & fight without pedestrians having to worry when theyre in the streets, mainly because u expect it to happen there. i hope he gets better :/ x
- .., London, 01/09/2009 10:07
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well that seems a lot better than usual.
- Squiz, Islington, 01/09/2009 09:53
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What a wonderful event!! Was the first Notting Hill Carnival i've been to and i attended both days and had a great time. I must commend the police as their presence was very visible, but never a threat.
Aba-Shanti-I was amazing and having seen him at mutiple previous Leicester Carnivals he was spot-on again. The outfits from the parades were spectacular and although i was fasting the food smelt & looked delicious!
Can't wait till next year's.
- Ak, Haringey, London, 01/09/2009 09:45
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