Police Make 100 Arrests Ahead of Notting Hill Carnival
With over a million people expected at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, the Met Police say they’ve arrested 100 individuals and seized dozens of weapons, including 11 firearms and more than 40 knives, in a pre-emptive crackdown. “Our policing plan makes tackling serious violence a priority,” said Commander Charmain Brenyah, explaining that the arrests are meant to “disrupt and deter those who the police have reason to believe pose the greatest risk to public safety.”
As part of the heightened security, 266 people have been given bail or licence conditions banning them from attending. Police will also be using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology at key access points, despite criticism from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which warned it could have a “chilling effect” on civil liberties. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley responded by saying the tool is “reliable and effective” and will be used “without bias.”
Screening arches and stop-and-search measures are also being introduced to prevent weapons entering the carnival, following last year’s tragic incidents in which Cher Maximen and chef Mussie Imnetu lost their lives. “We hope that this police activity will be a significant deterrent,” Brenyah added, urging the public to celebrate safely.
