Chaotic footage has captured the moment Notting Hill Carnival revellers engaged in a violent brawl inside Baker Street station as police confirmed 423 arrests across the weekend event, with two people stabbed. The shocking incident, which went viral on social media, showed a man in carnival costume sparking mayhem after throwing a drink at fellow partygoers.
The altercation began when a reveller wearing a brightly coloured tracksuit was seen throwing what appeared to be a beverage up a flight of stairs towards other carnival-goers. The aggressive act immediately triggered a fierce response from those targeted by the liquid assault.
In dramatic scenes caught on camera, a woman wearing an animal-print dress retaliated by striking the drink-thrower with her handbag as stunned passengers looked on. The situation escalated rapidly as the man fled into a packed Tube carriage, pursued by an enraged man in a white tank top who cornered him on the train.
Violence Erupts on Packed Train
Shocking footage showed the carnival reveller attempting to escape by standing on a seat inside the carriage as his pursuer caught up with him. The man in the white vest was then filmed repeatedly striking the drink-thrower as dozens of passengers recorded the assault through the Tube windows on their mobile phones.
Horrified bystanders watched as the violence unfolded in the confined space of the Underground carriage, with the viral video highlighting the chaotic nature of the confrontation. The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed whether any arrests were made in connection with this specific incident at Baker Street station.
The brawl came as Europe’s largest street festival drew approximately one million revellers to west London over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with authorities deploying more than 7,000 officers each day to manage crowd safety.
Record Arrests Amid Enhanced Security
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, the policing commander for Notting Hill Carnival, revealed that 423 people were arrested over the two main days of festivities. The arrests included 223 on Monday, with 177 at the carnival itself and 46 on approaches to the event, whilst Sunday saw 200 arrests, comprising 149 at the carnival and 51 on the way to the celebration.
This year we have proactively targeted those who have attempted to come to Carnival to cause harm to others,” Ward stated. We have used live facial recognition, knife arches and our stop and search powers to identify and arrest more than 400 suspects.”
The controversial deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology resulted in 52 arrests, representing 12 per cent of the total. Civil liberties groups had raised concerns about the use of the instant face-matching technology, citing fears of racial bias and mass surveillance at an event celebrating Caribbean culture.
Stabbings Mar Celebrations
Two people were stabbed during the festivities, though neither incident resulted in life-threatening injuries. The first stabbing occurred in Powis Terrace, with the second taking place in Oxford Gardens. Police emphasised that despite these incidents, they had seen “far fewer incidents of serious violence than in recent years.
The reduction in serious violence comes after pre-emptive operations in the weeks leading up to the carnival. Police arrested 100 people, recalled 21 to prison, and imposed bail or probation conditions on 266 individuals barring them from attending. Officers also seized 11 firearms and more than 40 knives during these operations.
Commander Charmain Brenyah acknowledged the challenges facing the event, stating: “Regrettably, we know a minority come with less positive intentions, and in recent years, this has played out in the form of serious violence, including three tragic incidents where lives have been taken.”
Revellers Celebrate Despite Incidents
Despite the violent incidents, the carnival attracted massive crowds celebrating Caribbean culture with parades, steel bands, and sound systems. Maria James, 34, expressed her joy at the event, saying: “It feels like a piece of the Caribbean right here in London.”
James Lewis, 41, from Birmingham, added: “It’s amazing to see so many cultures coming together.” The festival featured the traditional J’Ouvert celebration at dawn, children’s parades on Sunday, and the main adult parade on Bank Holiday Monday.
The event, which has taken place annually since 1966, transforms the streets of Notting Hill and surrounding areas into a vibrant celebration featuring mas bands, elaborate costumes, and Caribbean cuisine. Transport for London implemented special measures to manage the crowds, with several Tube stations operating on exit-only basis during peak times.
Police Officers Assaulted
Fifteen arrests on Sunday were for assaulting police officers, with one officer requiring hospital treatment for a hand injury. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they would ensure all affected officers receive appropriate support.
Additional police powers were authorised throughout the weekend, including Section 60 powers allowing officers to search people for weapons without reasonable suspicion, and Section 60AA powers to require removal of face coverings used to conceal identity.
The arrests breakdown revealed 21 people were detained for possession of offensive weapons on Saturday alone, with drug offences accounting for 52 arrests, including 25 for cannabis possession. Other arrests included two for robbery, four for sexual offences, and four for public order offences.
Future of Carnival Questioned
The incidents have reignited debates about safety at the carnival, with some calling for enhanced security measures or potential relocation. Police Federation representatives have previously described concerns about officer safety, with one survey revealing officers’ fears about policing the event.
Ward praised the joint efforts of police and organisers, stating: “We thank the organisers and others who spoke out in the days and weeks ahead of the event to emphasise what Carnival stands for, to reject violence and to urge anyone planning to come for conflict or confrontation to stay at home.
The carnival remains a significant cultural event in the capital’s calendar, but authorities face ongoing challenges balancing celebration with public safety. A review of crowd safety measures is scheduled for October as stakeholders seek solutions to ensure the event’s future viability.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
