Man dies after canal entry during Notting Hill Carnival
Metropolitan Police to refer incident to IOPC as 560 arrests made over the two-day event.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA man in his 20s died after entering a canal near Meanwhile Gardens during the Notting Hill Carnival. Police officers attempted to stop the man on Harrow Road on Monday, but he fled on foot. He entered the water a short time later, according to the Metropolitan Police. Officers and members of the public pulled him from the canal and administered CPR. He was taken to a central London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4.43pm. Enquiries are underway to notify his family.
Police investigation and IOPC referral
The Metropolitan Police stated that the incident would be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a full investigation into the circumstances. Commander Smart acknowledged the efforts of those who entered the canal to attempt a rescue, expressing that they would be devastated by the outcome. He urged the public to avoid speculation while the IOPC conducts its work.
Carnival arrests and incidents
The two-day Notting Hill Carnival event concluded with a total of 560 arrests. On Monday, 315 arrests were made, with the final figure expected to rise slightly as later arrests are processed. Live facial recognition technology was used, leading to 48 arrests on Monday, including the apprehension of 43 registered sex offenders to ensure compliance with licence conditions. Three registered sex offenders were arrested for breaching those conditions. Across the two days, 62 weapons were seized, including a handgun. Two assaults involving knives occurred, neither resulting in life-threatening injuries.
Despite the tragic death, police described the weekend as having passed “largely without incident”, noting a decrease in serious violence compared to previous years. Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, paid tribute to the officers, organisers, and partners who worked to ensure the 60th anniversary celebration was a success.
What happens next
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death after he entered the canal. The Metropolitan Police will continue their enquiries to inform the deceased's family.
Questions this report answers
01What happened to the man who entered the canal?
A man in his 20s died after entering a canal near Meanwhile Gardens during Notting Hill Carnival. Police pursued him before he entered the water, and a rescue attempt was made by officers and the public. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
02Will the police be investigated?
Yes, the Metropolitan Police will refer the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death following his interaction with the police.
03How many arrests were made at the carnival?
A total of 560 arrests were made over the two-day Notting Hill Carnival event. On Monday alone, 315 arrests were made, with the final figure expected to be slightly higher once all arrests are processed.
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