Woman stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival was with her child, police say

The woman who is in a critical condition in hospital after she was stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival had attended the event with her young child, the Metropolitan Police said.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is in charge of the policing operation, said his officers “very narrowly avoided a fatality” and are “tired of seeing crime scenes at Carnival”. He added the day was supposed to be a 'family day' of celebrations suitable for all ages, but that three people had been stabbed during the celebrations.

Mr Adelekan said: “Yesterday we saw the first day of Carnival marred by unacceptable violence. Three people were stabbed and we only very narrowly avoided a fatality.

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“This was supposed to be ‘family day’ – a celebration suitable for all ages. One of those in hospital, a 32-year-old woman whose condition remains critical, was at Carnival with her young child. We are tired of saying the same words every year. We are tired of telling families that their loved ones are seriously injured, or worse. We are tired of seeing crime scenes at Carnival.

“Carnival is a community event and the vast majority of people come to celebrate, to dance, to enjoy music and have a fantastic experience. It is the responsibility of all who value this event, who want to see it as the celebration it should be, to speak out and speak up about the violence that continues to overshadow it.

“Whether it is information about a previous incident now under investigation, or information about someone coming to Carnival today to commit crime, please tell us.

“If you know anything that could help us, please call the police directly or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously. It is no exaggeration to say that you could save a life by doing so.”