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Carnival crowds take to streets Carnival crowds take to streets
(about 1 hour later)
The second day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London is under way with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets.The second day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London is under way with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets.
The theme of this year's event is Set All Free, commemorating the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.The theme of this year's event is Set All Free, commemorating the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.
Hundreds of police officers have been mobilised for the street party with 70 arrests made on Sunday. Hundreds of police officers have been mobilised for the street party, with 70 arrests made so far.
The number of criminal incidents have also reduced with 102 reports, which is 36 less than last year, police said. The number of criminal incidents reported is 102, which is 36 less than last year, police said.
British Transport Police installed metal detector arches on underground and railway stations to screen people bound for the carnival. Four people were arrested on Sunday night in Maida Vale as part of an ongoing intelligence operation by police. A firearm was also recovered.
Adding to the tight security an automatic number plate recognition system has also been installed near the boundary of the carnival location to assist police to stop and search suspect vehicles. 'Slavery' roots
Carnival's 'slavery' roots In the months leading up to the carnival police arrested 24 people.
Officers raided a residential property at Aldsworth Close, Maida Vale at about 0100 BST on Sunday and arrested four suspected offenders. A firearm was also recovered during the raid. And for the weekend British Transport Police installed metal detector arches on underground and railway stations to screen people bound for the event.
A man is in a stable condition after he was found in Ladbroke Grove on Sunday suffering from stab wounds. Three people have been arrested over the incident. An automatic number plate recognition system has also been installed near the boundary of the carnival to assist police to stop and search suspect vehicles.
In the months leading up to the carnival police arrested 24 people following intelligence-led operations.
The theme for this year's carnival is the abolition of the slave trade
Ch Insp Jo Edwards from the Met police said: "We've been receiving intelligence all up towards the carnival - and throughout the carnival period .
He said it suggested "there are still a small minority of people who are intent on coming to the carnival to commit crime and they're the people we'll be targeting".
The Notting Hill Carnival, which is in its 43rd year, is the world's second largest street party, after the Rio Carnival held in Brazil.The Notting Hill Carnival, which is in its 43rd year, is the world's second largest street party, after the Rio Carnival held in Brazil.
Lewis Benn, one of the carnival's organisers, said: "The history of carnival evolved from the slavery days of people under oppression - looking at ways to free themselves from oppressiveness, and that's how carnival evolved into the great event it is now. The theme for this year's carnival is the abolition of the slave tradeLewis Benn, one of the carnival's organisers, said: "The history of carnival evolved from the slavery days of people under oppression - looking at ways to free themselves from oppressiveness, and that's how carnival evolved into the great event it is now.
"Coming over in the '50's from our forefathers in the Caribbean, mainly Trinidad, and it has grown into what we have - a great diverse event which covers all cultures and is now one, if not the biggest, cultural event in Europe.""Coming over in the '50's from our forefathers in the Caribbean, mainly Trinidad, and it has grown into what we have - a great diverse event which covers all cultures and is now one, if not the biggest, cultural event in Europe."
Chris Jenkins, 35, an IT consultant from Clapham, south London, who is among the spectators at the street party, said: "This is London at its best - people all getting on together."
And 24-year-old Lisa Roberts, from Australia, said: "We heard only great things about carnival so we had to come and experience it.
"We thought the summer had forgotten to come to London but it's great to see the sun out and everyone enjoying themselves.
"Culturally, this is definitely one of the richest festivals I've ever been to."
The three-mile parade route begins in Great Western Road and ends in Ladbroke Grove.The three-mile parade route begins in Great Western Road and ends in Ladbroke Grove.
Have you been to the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend? If so, send your pictures to: yourpics@bbc.co.ukHave you been to the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend? If so, send your pictures to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk
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