Carnival police target knife crime

Updated 11.33 Thu Aug 21 2008

Keywords: London, Notting Hill Carnival, police, Knife crime

Police will be using mobile metal detectors in a bid to discourage knife crime at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Tube stations near the carnival route will be fitted with mobile metal detection arches.

"Mobile metal detection arches will be deployed throughout the tube network to detect and deter people carrying weapons" - Mayor of London Boris Johnson

On top of this at least 600 British Transport Police officers will be patrolling trains and stations using drug detection dogs and handheld metal detectors.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Notting Hill Carnival is the highlight of the year for many thousands of Londoners and visitors to our city.

"There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to take a weapon to the carnival and for anyone tempted to do so the message is clear - you will be caught."

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Crowther added: "Carnival has a fantastic atmosphere and we see ourselves as key players in the overall event to allow people to enjoy all it has to offer."

He added: "The large majority of people go to the carnival to enjoy the music and the sights but we want to make sure anyone who has other intentions knows what they can expect from us, especially if they try to bring weapons to the event.

"Mobile metal detection arches will be deployed throughout the tube network to detect and deter people carrying weapons.

"We are able to move the metal detectors at any time across the network sending a very clear message: don't bring weapons to the carnival because we could be anywhere."

At least 400,000 people are expected to travel on the rail network during the carnival, which takes place on August 24 and 25.