Police Arrest Hundreds During London’s Notting Hill Carnival

(MENAFN) Police arrest 636 people and recover dozens of weapons during London’s two-day Notting Hill Carnival, while one person dies after a pursuit involving police officers.

The Metropolitan Police report that 242 arrests take place on Sunday, followed by another 394 on Monday during the event, which is considered one of Europe’s largest street festivals.

Of the total arrests, 193 occur in areas surrounding the carnival, while the remaining cases take place within the event itself.

Authorities say the arrests involve a range of offenses, including drug possession and supply, assaults against members of the public and emergency personnel, weapons offenses, sexual crimes and public order violations.

“The use of live facial recognition technology was expanded this year, leading to 214 alerts, 121 arrests and 86 registered sex offenders being stopped and spoken to,” the statement said.

Police also identify seven registered sex offenders who allegedly violate their conditions or reporting obligations, resulting in their arrests.

Officers conduct extensive stop-and-search operations as part of a proactive policing strategy throughout the carnival. These searches lead to the discovery of 68 weapons, including a handgun.

“Stop and search was used extensively as part of the proactive policing approach. It resulted in 68 weapons, including a handgun, being found,” the statement added.

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