Mayor backs carnival and adds voice to witness appeal

SEVEN STABBINGS REPORTED AT NOTTING HILL THIS YEAR

LONDON’S Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced support for Notting Hill Carnival saying it is “a really important part of the fabric of London” despite the violence that rippled through this year’s event.

Mr Khan described the celebration as a “really important part of the cultural calendar” and insisted that City Hall will support the community in future events.

The mayor also appealed for witnesses to the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old rapper at the carnival to come forward and contact police.

There were seven reported stabbings at the carnival on Monday evening, including the fatal knifing of Bristol-based rapper TKorStretch, whose real name is Takayo Nembhard (see page 9).

The other six alleged stabbings resulted in non-fatal injuries.

Speaking to the PA news agency on Thursday, Mr Khan thanked the emergency services, adding: “Unfortunately a 21-year-old lost his life on Monday night.

“I would appeal to anybody who may have seen what happened to contact the police, contact Crimestoppers.”

Mr Khan continued: “The police worked incredibly hard. No crime is excusable, whether it’s during a carnival or at another time, it’s really important if anybody saw anything they support the police in their investigation they’re conducting.

“The carnival has been going on for 56 years now, it’s a really important part of the fabric of London, a really important part of the cultural calendar, organised by the community. We support the community, and City Hall will carry on supporting the community in future carnivals.”

KIRSTY O’CONNOR/PA WIRE Forensics officers comb the scene in Ladbroke Grove, where Takayo Nembhard, a rapper from Bristol, died