Mother who went to Notting Hill Carnival with her toddler 'narrowly avoided death' after being stabbed

A mother who attended Notting Hill Carnival Family Day with her young child narrowly escaped death after being stabbed.

The 32-year-old woman remains in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked at Sunday's event, the Metropolitan Police said.

Notting Hill Carnival Sunday is dubbed 'Family and Children's Day' and includes a parade and carnival for children, while Bank Holiday Monday is billed as 'Adults' Day'.

Three people were stabbed during Sunday's incident. A 29-year-old man remains in hospital in a non-life-threatening condition, and a 24-year-old man was released from hospital after his condition was assessed as non-life-threatening.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incidents to come forward, saying: “We are sick of seeing crime scenes at Carnival.”

In a statement on Monday, Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is in charge of police operations, said: “Yesterday we saw the first day of carnival marred by unacceptable violence. Three people were stabbed and we narrowly avoided one death.

“It was supposed to be a 'family day', a celebration suitable for all ages. One of those hospitalized, a 32-year-old woman whose condition remains critical, was at the Carnival with her young child.

“We are tired of repeating 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 party, dance, listen to music and have a fantastic experience.”

Police Officer Adelekan said anyone enjoying Notting Hill Carnival should “speak out and denounce the violence” that is marring the celebrations.

“Whether it's information about a previous incident that is currently under investigation, or information about someone coming to Carnival today to commit a crime, tell us,” they added.

A total of 103 arrests were made during the event on Sunday, and 18 officers were assaulted, police said.

Around 18 arrests were made for possession of offensive weapons, nine arrests for possession of class A drugs and 13 arrests for possession of class B drugs.

Hundreds of thousands of people participate each year in this event that celebrates Caribbean heritage, arts and culture. The carnival has been going on for over 50 years and the main parade takes place on Monday.

It is Europe's largest street party and is billed by organisers as “the biggest community event on the planet”.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the “fantastic scenes” at Sunday’s carnival. He posted on social media platform X: “Fantastic scenes at Notting Hill Carnival today, celebrating London’s Caribbean communities.

“Carnival is an integral part of our city and a wonderful way to bring communities together.”

More than a million people are expected to attend the Notting Hill Carnival over the three days and around 7,000 police officers are on duty to police the celebrations.