LOCKDOWN IN NOTTING HELL
Police hold 650 as they fear terrorists, acid attacks and carnival unrest over Grenfell ... and locals are boarded in
A ‘TOXIC cocktail’ of dangers will lead to an unprecedented crackdown on the Notting Hill carnival, police said yesterday.
They are concerned simmering Grenfell Tower tensions, spiralling street violence and the threat of further acid attacks could lead to bloodshed.
A blazing hot weather forecast, with temperatures expected to exceed 25C (77F) on Monday, and the relentless terror threat also add to the risk.
The Metropolitan Police revealed it is taking special measures to protect more than one million visitors in a multimillion-pound operation. There have already been 650 arrests.
For the first time, concrete blocks and security barriers will completely close the carnival route to vehicles for ten hours each day. The move comes as experts warn of the continuing risk of a crude terrorist attack like that seen in Barcelona involving vehicles and knives. Fears remain that lingering anger over the fire at Grenfell Tower, which looms over the carnival, could trigger disorder. Revellers will be asked to ‘ show humanity’ by not taking selfies with the shell of the building in the background.
Up to 9,000 officers, almost a third of the force’s warranted workforce, will be on duty, some working 16-hour shifts.
Snatch squads are prepared to arrest wanted offenders and known gang members identified by facial recognition technology. It is hoped CCTV cameras and ‘ super recogniser’ officers, will help flush
‘Swan in with a bottle of acid’
out a tiny minority intent on violence. Extra search teams will be on hand to identify troublemakers attempting to smuggle acid into the crowds.
The capital has seen a surge in attacks using corrosive liquids that scar victims for life.
Residents in the west London suburb spent the week locking down their homes with some streets lined by graffiti-covered hoardings.
Workmen erected wood and metal boards around businesses and homes prior to tomorrow’s event. But many homeowners chose to travel out of the city to avoid Europe’s biggest street party.
The top police officer responsible for security was unapologetic about the tough tactics.
Commander Dave Musker revealed more than 650 suspected gang members, drug dealers and knifemen have been rounded up in dawn raids before the event.
Hitting back at criticism of a £60,000 heroin bust in Lewisham by campaigners who said it was unrelated to the carnival, he said: ‘I don’t care what we arrest them for. We will be lawfully audacious if we can to get them off the streets.
‘If they have got heroin or other drugs we will target them … This is my 28th carnival and I have policed it at every rank from constable to commander. I am not hostile. I want it to be a success … but I want it to be safe. I’m not a member of the fun police … I am trying to encourage people to have a safe event.’
Last year more than 450 people were arrested over the two days, the highest number since 2008, as police racked up an £8million bill. Dozens were injured and more than 90 weapons seized. Police said four stab victims survived only thanks to the expertise of paramedics. There were more than 45 attacks on officers.
This year’s vehicle ban will be enforced from 9am to 7pm. There will be two moments of reflection for victims of the Grenfell fire but visitors will be discouraged from stopping close to the building itself.
Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams said the Tower area must not become a ‘circus’, adding that floral tributes there would be protected.
Officers will be equipped with testing kits to combat anyone trying to ‘swan in with a bottle of Lucozade with acid in’.
Lorna Macbeth, 68, who has lived in the area for 40 years, protected her home with wood and chicken wire. The retired teacher said she had trimmed her garden so people cannot hide behind plants.
‘The main issue, is people using your steps as a toilet which is why we have to board it up,’ she said. ‘We all love it here, but when revellers who come and not respect people’s homes it makes it difficult.’
Police hit back at the furore sparked by Michael Omari, 24, known as rapper Stormzy, who wrote online to the force: ‘How many drugs did you lot seize in the run-up to Glastonbury or we only doing tweets like this for black events?’
Commander Musker said: ‘Last year we had 70 to 80 stabbings, four of [the victims] nearly lost their lives … I cannot remember a single murder at Glastonbury. We are going to be uncompromising in ensuring the safety and security of the public.’