Violence at street carnival

Press, 2 September 1981, Page 8

Violence at street carnival

NZPA London Violence erupted at the end of London’s annual West Indian carnival yesterday after three days of peaceful music, dancing, and feasting in the streets of the Notting Hill district.

After black youths began stoning the police, squads of policemen went into action wearing new riot outfits issued after attacks on the police in a wave of urban rioting that swept London and a dozen other British cities in July. Equipped with flame-proof suits, shields, special steel helmets, visors, and back pads, the police forced the youths to disperse. Streets were cordoned and the carnival was halted. Scotland Yard said trouble started about 10.45 p.m. on Monday when some 150 youths threw stones and bottles at police officers.

Two civilians were stabbed but not seriously hurt, and three policemen were injured, the Yard said. The three-day holiday attracted an estimated 40,000 blacks and whites.

Violence has erupted at the festival in the past. Two years ago the police were blamed by the organisers when a serious outbreak occurred.

This year the police presence for most of the carnival was deliberately low key. Most policemen were stationed at a school some distance away from the carnival area.