Met increases stop and search as Notting Hill Carnival ends

Police have been given greater powers to stop and search revelling carnival goers over concern about weapons.

A Section 60 order that provides police officers with additional powers to search people at the Notting Hill Carnival, was authorised at 11.30am and will expire at 2am tomorrow morning (August 29) .

The Met said it is not a continuation of the order authorised on Sunday (August 27) that expired at 2am on Monday. 

The decision was taken following intelligence concerning weapons, the Met said.

Members of the community who volunteer to advise the Met Police during the policing operation for Notting Hill Carnival were consulted on the decision, as well as the local authority and other emergency service.

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The introduction of today’s s60 order does not change the policing style we have adopted for the event, and our officers will continue to provide a professional, respectful presence and sensitive approach to crowds to ensure the event can be enjoyed safely by all.”

Performers taking part in the adults parade, part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Colourfully-costumed revellers paraded through the streets on Monday marking the climax of the carnival.

The annual celebration of Caribbean culture and history saw thousands take part in an exuberant adult parade.

People were partying atop floats followed by feathered mas bands dancing to the beat.

Meanwhile the sweet, smoky scent of jerk chicken filled the side streets where sound systems played everything from rare groove to house, samba, reggae and ska.

It is expected that more than two million people will have taken to the streets of Notting Hill by the end of the bank holiday as the carnival, Europe’s biggest street party, celebrates two landmark anniversaries.

The introduction of sound systems and mas bands 50 years ago transformed it into a large-scale event and the docking of the Empire Windrush 75 years ago heralded mass immigration from the Caribbean.

On Sunday evening the Metropolitan Police said the mood at the carnival had been “good-natured throughout the day” as they announced that a Section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, would be imposed overnight until 2am.

PABest Performers taking part in the adults parade at Notting Hill Carnival (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

The force described it as a “precautionary step” following “information” that some people had travelled to the area carrying knives.

In an update released just before midnight on Sunday, the Met said 85 people had been arrested, including 11 for sexual assault and 10 for assault on a police officer.

Dozens of officers were seen on Monday patrolling local parks and searching through bins for suspicious items and under the tarpaulin laid down to protect the grass.

If people have any concerns, they should speak to a police officer or a steward.

Safer Spaces – an organisation that operates at events across the UK to provide areas where women and girls can seek advice from trained professionals, are also present at carnival.