Mark White has revealed that police officers are “frightened” about working at the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend, with female officers particularly anxious about Monday evening shifts.
He said many female officers feel fine policing Sunday’s family-friendly events, but become increasingly apprehensive on the main bank holiday Monday, especially after darkness falls.
This comes after the Metropolitan Police have carried out an extensive pre-Carnival operation, arresting more than 100 people and seizing numerous weapons ahead of this weekend’s festivities.
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Mark White said that officers are 'frightened to work'
|GB NEWS
Law enforcement units, including armed officers, recovered 11 firearms and more than 40 bladed weapons during the crackdown.
Talking on GB News, Mark said: "We spoke to many female police officers and they told us they don’t mind working the family day, but on the main day, the bank holiday Monday and especially as darkness falls, they are frightened to work there.
"I speak to many police officers, I’ve never spoken to a single one who describes Carnival as anything other than a dreaded event.
"I’m sure there are some who probably enjoy it, but the vast majority dread the prospect when it comes around every year because there is so much trouble.
"Of course, people will point to music festivals and say, ‘Well, there are lots of arrests at those big events too.’ But those are usually for low-level offences or drug possession.
"That’s not violence. You very rarely see violent incidents at big music festivals and certainly not fatal stabbings."
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A total of 266 people now face restrictions preventing them from attending the west London Notting Hill Carnival, under police bail conditions or probation licences. Of those detained, 21 have been returned to custody.
The measures follow last year’s alarming figures, when 349 people were arrested, the highest number since 2019.
That year also saw eight knife attacks, including two fatalities.
Notting Hill Carnival is an annual London event
| PAMark explained that while many attendees genuinely want to celebrate Caribbean heritage, the event also attracts people connected to street gangs.
He added that those involved in drugs and gang feuds frequently attend the festival.
He acknowledged that the festival is still deeply cherished by those who attend peacefully, with many focused purely on celebrating Caribbean culture.
However, the presence of criminal elements creates major safety challenges for police trying to maintain order at the packed event.