Met Police Appeal for Information to Prevent Violence at Notting Hill Carnival

The Metropolitan Police Department has launched an appeal to gather information about potential violence at this year's Notting Hill Carnival, a popular London event. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward emphasizes the importance of community cooperation to ensure a safe experience for attendees. The Met has increased security measures, including deploying 7,000 officers and staff, and partnering with Crimestoppers to receive anonymous tips.

Key Takeaways:

• The Metropolitan Police Department is appealing for information about groups or individuals planning to engage in violence at the Notting Hill Carnival.
• Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward emphasizes the need for community cooperation to prevent serious violence, including knife crime and violence against women and girls.
• The Met has deployed 7,000 officers and staff each day during the August Bank Holiday weekend to prioritize public safety.
• Intelligence-led arrests and searches of individuals believed to be in possession of weapons or involved in drug supply will be carried out.
• Live facial recognition cameras will be used on the approach to and from the Carnival to identify and intercept individuals who pose a public safety risk.
• Screening arches and stop and search powers will be used at entry points to prevent knives and other deadly weapons.
• The public is encouraged to report any information to Crimestoppers anonymously, as the best way to prevent serious crime at Carnival.
• So far in 2025, there have been 111 deployments of Live Facial Recognition, resulting in 512 arrests.
• LFR cameras will be deployed on the approaches to Carnival, but not within the boundaries of the event, to search for individuals wanted on the Police National Computer, those who are missing, and those subject to sexual harm prevention orders.

Statistics:

• 7,000 officers and staff will be deployed each day during the August Bank Holiday weekend.
• There were 160 arrests last year prior to the event for offences including possession of firearms, drug supply, rape, and other serious sexual assaults.
• So far in 2025, there have been 111 deployments of Live Facial Recognition, resulting in 512 arrests.
• LFR cameras will be deployed on the approaches to Carnival, but not within the boundaries of the event.
• Screening arches will be used at some of the busiest entry points, and stop and search powers will be used to prevent knives and other deadly weapons.

Sources:

• The Metropolitan Police Department press release, [no publication date].
• Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward cited in the Metropolitan Police Department press release.