Thousands of police officers are braced for three days of carnage at the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend amid concerns over escalating violence and potential crushes.
Scotland Yard said 7,000 officers and staff will be deployed each day from Saturday to Monday as they attempt to keep up to two million revellers safe in West London.
Carnival arrests hit their highest level since 2019 last year as 349 people were detained including for violence, theft, sexual offences and assaults on police.
The growing popularity of Europe's biggest street party which celebrates Caribbean heritage, arts and culture has led to politicians raising their concerns over potential crushes at the non-ticketed event with some suggesting a move to Hyde Park.
Amid escalating levels of violence Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, police commander for this year's event, said the carnival's size creates 'unique challenges'.
