
Police officers ‘dread’ having to work at the Notting Hill Carnival and an ‘unacceptable’ number are being attacked there, a rank-and-file group leader warned today after the event was marred by shocking violence.

During the two-day Caribbean-inspired celebration in West London, a brutal fight broke out in the street, police found a Taser gun and more than 450 people were arrested - the highest total in at least 15 years.

And Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh claimed that an increasing number of criminals want to hijack the celebration, the biggest of its kind in Europe, and turn officers into ‘professional punchbags’.

The latest figures from Scotland Yard today showed that of the 454 people arrested on Sunday and yesterday, 25 were held for assaulting police. A total of 45 officers were injured, with eight needing hospital treatment.

Mr Marsh said: ‘This is not a peaceful and fun-loving event that our members look forward to policing.

A fight broke out at the famous Notting Hill Carnival in West London and one man tried to kick another as he fell to the ground

People watched on as a fight broke out in front of officers during the Notting Hill Carnival in West London yesterday

The atmosphere became heated when men argued before a fight broke out yesterday evening during the carnival in London

Two people were arrested after a Taser weapon was confiscated by officers during the two-day event in West London

'They dread it. A seemingly growing number of people appear intent on hijacking this carnival and turning it into a bank holiday battleground, and an excuse for using our members as professional punch bags.

‘Last year we had an officer stabbed. This year colleagues were assaulted, abused and spat at. How can that be right? It's completely and utterly unacceptable.

‘The Glastonbury music festival had 40 arrests this year. Notting Hill had 10 times that amount.

'Year after year there are such high levels of violence against police officers and the public at the carnival. And yet year after year nothing changes. Something needs to be done.

‘The organisers need to understand that this event cannot carry on regardless. I think many Londoners will wonder whether the significant amount of taxpayers' money spent policing this event is frankly worth it.’

Police officers were forced to intervene as the scuffle started in the street during the annual two-day celebration

One police officer managed to grab hold of a man after the fight started on the street at the Notting Hill Carnival in London

A black Audi which was left parked on the street near the carnival was completely covered in paint yesterday afternoon

One man with a bloodied face appeared to look dazed as he spoke to police officers on the second day of the famous carnival

Last year Scotland Yard chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe wrote to carnival organisers over concerns about the cost of policing the event, the biggest in the force's calendar, saying it was ‘time to draw the line’.

Mr Marsh said more than 7,000 officers worked at the carnival, at a cost of up to £8million. Around a million revellers are estimated to attend Carnival each year, while 135,000 music fans went to the Glastonbury festival.

London Ambulance Service treated 1,005 patients at the Bank Holiday procession, mostly for alcohol-related injuries and illness. This was up from 955 last year. Arrest figures were also up from 407 in 2015.

Among those arrested were two people after a Taser gun – which is designed to temporarily incapacitate someone through an electrical current - was confiscated by officers during the event in West London.

A young women collapsed and was attended by police at the annual Notting Hill Carnival in West London yesterday

Dangerous nitrous oxide gas canisters, which were confiscated by the Metropolitan Police at this year's Notting Hill Carnival

Police formed a cordon to prevent more people making their way onto the dangerously-crowded Ladbroke Grove yesterday

A man was helped by people on the street during the second day of the famous Notting Hill Carnival in West London

Police and paramedics were on patrol but struggled to keep the peace at the largest carnival in Europe - which was celebrating its 50th anniversary - and 45 officers were injured.

The MP for Kensington, Victoria Borwick, today warned the event cannot go on ‘if it’s simply a crime-fest’, adding that she was ‘very concerned’ for a 16-year-old boy stabbed in the stomach with a deadly Zombie Killer knife.

A man was caught on camera kicking a fellow reveller yesterday as he fell to the ground during the scuffle, and a black Audi - which was parked on the street near the famous event - was completely covered in paint.

Yesterday there were 284 arrests at the carnival, including 108 drugs offences, 64 offensive weapon (blade) offences, 26 public order offences, 18 nitrous oxide offences, 17 assaults on police and six sexual offences.

A young woman was seen dancing next to an on-duty police officer and performed the famous 'twerk' dance move

What a sight! Samba drumming band Batala perform in the Monday parade during the second day of Notting Hill Carnival

Revellers enjoyed the second and final day of the popular event as they strolled around West London yesterday afternoon

A group of young women were seen laughing as they made their way towards the festival near Notting Hill yesterday

Meanwhile there were also arrests made for drink driving, theft, actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, criminal damage, robbery and going equipped for theft.

ARRESTS AT PREVIOUS NOTTING HILL CARNIVALS 2015 - Sun 126; Mon 281 (∑ 407)

2014 - Sun 104; Mon 148 (∑ 252)

2013 - Sun 111; Mon 190 (∑ 301)

2012 - Sun 98; Mon 180 (∑ 278)

2011 - Sun 73; Mon 172 (∑ 245)

2010 - Sun 93; Mon 150 (∑ 243)

2009 - Sun 78; Mon 165 (∑ 243)

2008 - Sun 108; Mon 172 (∑280)

2007 - Sun 82; Mon 164 (∑ 246)

2006 - Sun 109; Mon 168 (∑ 277)

2005 - Sun 61; Mon 122 (∑ 183)

2004 - Sun 62; Mon 105 (∑ 167)

2003 - Sun 91; Mon 95 (∑ 186)

2002 - Sun 56; Mon 102 (∑ 158) Advertisement

Yesterday's total was almost double Sunday's figure of 156 arrests - and the final figure as of 7am today was 454.

Monday marked the Grand Finale of the event's 50th anniversary, which has this year hosted 60 bands and 38 sound systems, but it was marred by scenes of mayhem could be seen throughout the west of the capital.

Metropolitan Police licensing officers also seized a large canister of compressed nitrous oxide at Queensway - just half a mile from Notting Hill Gate tube station.

Officers understand it had the capacity to fill 2,250 small canisters representing a total street value of more than£150,000.

Around 1,000 small nitrous oxide canisters and associated paraphernalia were seized in a number of separate operations.

The nitrous oxide discovery comes as 26 knives were also seized during the weekend. Some people were arrested for more than one offence.

Police added that there were four incidents involving people being stabbed.

Keep dancing: Performances were taking place throughout the final day of the carnival before the big clean up began

Standby: Police officers look after dozens of sound systems were set up in the streets in the West London area

Good time: There were smiles as people and performers came out for a shin dig and celebration yesterday

Crowds gathered to watch the annual parade at the Notting Hill Carnival on the final day of the celebrations in West London

At 4.25pm on Sunday, police were called to reports of a stabbing on Wornington Road, and a 15-year-old boy was taken to a central London hospital.

His condition, which was critical, is now not life threatening, and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of GBH.

At 4.28pm on Sunday, police were called to reports of a stabbing on Portobello Road at the junction with Munro Mews.

A 20-year-old man was taken to hospital and his condition is not life threatening.

At 5.09pm on Sunday, police were called to reports of a stabbing at Ladbroke Grove at the junction with Treverton Street.

Atmosphere: Colourful floats flow through the streets during the procession which takes in parts of West London

Goodness! These two dancers were fully in character with angry and distressed faces as the performed in layered dresses

PC selfie: Police were not afraid to get involved and engage with performers as long as they were on the right side of the law

You got me! This officer gets into the carnival spirit by throwing his arms up as performers dance and music is played

A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were at the scene having suffered stab wounds. Both were taken to hospital and both boys' conditions are not life threatening.

A man presented himself to officers at Kensal Rise Tube station and told them he had been stabbed resulting in a cut to the head.

Meanwhile, one man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide. He has been taken to a west London police station for questioning.

A second man also in his 20s has been processed for possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide. Approximately 680 cannisters were seized.

As the sun set yesterday evening, carnival-goers kept on dancing.

Revellers watched the colourful parade from balconies on Ladbroke Grove while people of all ages took to the streets to celebrate.

Display: The roots of the Notting Hill Carnival are from Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which celebrated the abolition of slavery

Final day: Visitors from far and wide travelled to London for the event which attracts a million people over two days

Good time: These smiling performers were delighting the crowds in Notting Hill for this year's festival in West London

Warning: London Ambulance Service told revellers to drink water and wear sensible shoes as the festivities got underway

Colette Ford from Salisbury was among those taking part in the carnival. Dressed in an elaborate Dominator costume which cost £170 to match the 50 Shades Of Paradise float, she said: 'It's a lovely amazing atmosphere to be part of a truck.'

Meanwhile keen dancer Jasmin Castrioty, 25, said she had 'loved' her first experience of carnival, saying: 'The rhythm is absolutely stunning. I can actually feel it. Next year we are coming back.'

Teacher Jan Harvey, who is originally from Jamaica, said: 'Everybody is enjoying themselves, there is no trouble and there is a good atmosphere.'

Conall De Hoog, 18, was impressed by what he described as calm scenes during his first carnival. 'It all seems calm at the moment - maybe later but at the moment it's fine,' he said.

On Sunday, medics were tasked with treating 411 patients and taking 71 to hospital.

Yesterday around 500,000 partygoers took to the streets for the carnival which involved surges of colour and music.

Shortly after sunrise at 6am, early morning revellers yesterday got the first street party of this year's event underway – and then threw paint, mud, chocolate, powder and even oil at each other while dancing to music.

And officers tasked with policing the event got into the carnival spirit, with two filmed being 'twerked' against by dancing females.

Design: The carnival, which was on its second day yesterday, has been running since 1966 in Notting Hill, West London

Procession: There was a logistical nightmare for medics tasked with treating 411 patients and taking 71 to hospital

Delights: Police warned people to be safe after arrests led to hundreds of revellers being detained

Dance: The carnival involves hundreds of organisations - with groups from around the world performing

One was seen feigning a mop of his brow while the other looked on awkwardly as a woman swayed suggestively in front of him.

Known as the J'ouvert celebration – derived from the French term Jour ouvert, meaning 'opening of the day' – the event is a traditional procession that still takes place in countries such as Trinidad & Tobago.

By 6.30pm the Metropolitan Police confirmed the force had arrested 47 people for a variety of alleged offences.

These included two alleged sexual offences, 37 drugs offences, 13 counts of possession of offensive weapons and alleged theft and public disorder.

It is said the tradition recognises the need of humans to let go of daily worries, if only just for a short time.

The start of the carnival comes as police officers with special skills for recognising the faces of offenders were monitoring the carnival in a crackdown on crime.

I can see you! This performer certainly has mastered the art of turning a parasol during the Notting Hill carnival

Patrol: Hundreds of police were on duty yesterday for the final day of the festival and hundreds of people were arrested

Happy days: This man, dressed as an Egyptian pharaoh, seems impressed with the outcome of his wardrobe change

Frilly: Thousands of people attended the final day of the carnival in West London's borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Is that enough? Street performers from the London School of Samba get their glitter on in preparation for the show

Ambulance fun: London paramedics take in the carnival with this performer during the annual event

The 'super-recognisers' were inside a CCTV control room seeking out both offenders committing crimes and anyone with bail conditions which ought to stop them from attending the event.

It was one of a number of measures the Met were taking to ensure visitors from all over the country can stay safe and enjoy themselves during the carnival, which will be marking its 50th anniversary on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

After the colourful Caribbean tradition, another parade was held in the morning for Children's Day, and Monday will be the traditional Grand Finale.

The force will also be trialling a facial recognition system to help identify wanted offenders, by using cameras which scan the faces of those passing by and flag up potential matches against a database of custody images.

Children in fancy dress and face paint claimed the best view of the parade by sitting on parents' shoulders, and some even joined the dancers following the parade floats.

Annuar Aziz, a businessman from Malaysia, stumbled upon the event by accident with his wife and four young children while on holiday.

He said: 'It's excellent. We are loving the free spirit of everyone and we have all been dancing.

Care: Medics had to treat more than 400 patients during the carnival - which is the second biggest in the world - for a variety of injuries

Beer baron: Police posted this image of dozens of cans of beer - part of 500 - a man was trying to sell illegally on the streets

Police and forensic experts were pictured at the scene, although Scotland Yard is yet to release details about the stabbing

'We didn't even know it was happening,' Mr Aziz, 41 explained.

'We just arrived to London after visiting the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.

'We heard the music from where we are staying in Bayswater and just followed the sound.'

At least 60 bands will perform and 38 sound systems will be in place over the two-day event, which continues over the bank holiday. It will end with its Grand Finale day on Monday.

There is a heavy police presence in place as the Met has introduced advanced security measures, including a facial recognition system.

The Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture in London, was first held in the 1960s and now attracts visitors from all over the world.

A performer was wearing a vibrant orange costume on the second day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London

Rubbish began to pile up on the street as revellers continued to eat and drink on the second day of the famous annual event

A man in a white shirt was spotted backflipping over his friend who was lying in the street yesterday afternoon

London's 'threat level' has been set at 'severe' for some time now and the police are urging all those planning to attend the carnival to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.

Over the last week, police have arrested 215 people they believe planned to use the carnival as a cover for committing crime or violence. More than 200 search warrants were also made.

Although the arrests were mostly for drugs-related offences, officers have also taken six firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition, as well as a number of knives and machetes from the streets. Three motor vehicles and £30,000 were also seized.

Superintendent Robyn Williams said: 'This weekend is the highlight of the year, not only for the Caribbean community, but also for many visitors from London and the rest of the country.

'The Met has worked hard to ensure that Carnival is a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone who attends.

'I would ask all carnival-goers to enjoy this family event and make sure that you follow officers' and stewards' instructions.'

Thousands of people used the Tube to get to the Notting Hill Carnival yesterday afternoon in west London

The two-day event, started by members of the Afro-Caribbean community, sees costumed performers take to the streets in a parade and dozens of sound systems set up around the Notting Hill streets

Women danced in the street as thousands of revellers flocked to west London to enjoy the famous carnival yesterday

Performers with amazing costumes marched the streets of Notting Hill with flamboyant styles on display as they danced along the carnival route to the hypnotic rhythms provided by the mobile sound systems or steel bands.

Meanwhile, calypso and soca performances by the Association of British Calypsonians, Calypsonians from around the world took place on the main stage.

Police have also asked people to be on the lookout for a missing teenager, who they believe may attend the carnival.

Veronica Sbircea, 15, was last seen around Brixton Road in south London on the afternoon of Thursday July 28.

Veronica, who sometimes goes by the name of Rachel, went missing from Kettering, Northamptonshire, but is originally from London. She is described as white, 5ft and with long straight black hair and brown eyes.

Detective Inspector Stuart Hitchon of Northants Police said: 'It's very concerning that for someone who is very active on social media and was seen on public transport several times in the 24 hours before she went missing, there is absolutely nothing since.

'This clear absence of any activity is very worrying and we really need her to make contact.'