Met police fear 'mass casualty event' at carnival

The London Assembly has called for a comprehensive review of crowd safety at the Notting Hill Carnival amid rising police concerns over potential mass casualty incidents. Chair Susan Hall emphasized the worrying incidents related to crowd density, questioning the Metropolitan Police's capability to ensure visitor safety. The assembly recommends a detailed evaluation of crowd management strategies and stricter stewarding requirements. The carnival, attracting around two million visitors annually, presents significant cultural importance but also complex policing challenges. Last year, two individuals were murdered during the event, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

The Metropolitan Police deployed approximately 7,000 officers for the 2024 carnival, indicating the scale of the operation required. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist acknowledged that crowd density concerns are particularly alarming, despite crime often dominating headlines. The assembly’s report also noted that increasing public order demands are straining police resources without corresponding government funding.