Notting Hill Carnival: Operation Razorback is Launched

The Metropolitan police warned it will launch a harsh crackdown on troublemakers planning to attend this year's Notting Hill Carnival.

Officials have said they will gather intelligence on troublemakers and London based gangs to find out about any planned trouble in the weeks leading up to the carnival, warning that officers from the Met's Territorial Support Group (TSG) will be executing search warrants across the capital.

The operation that starts on Monday August 1 has been named Operation Razorback, and will last for up to four weeks.

"Operation Razorback is a highly sophisticated and detailed operation aimed at ensuring those who set out with the sole intention of causing trouble at carnival will not succeed." Chief Inspector Chris Allmey told the BBC.

"Four weeks of intense activity targeted at preventing troublemakers from getting anywhere near Carnival has been planned and we're committed to making Notting Hill Carnival as safe as it can be, ensuring that the thousands of people who go along to Carnival each year to enjoy this unique and vibrant event.

"We're asking anyone who may know someone intending to cause trouble to get in touch."

Last year, officers successfully conducted 73 search warrants which resulted in 101 arrests for a variety of offences including drug offences and possession of bladed articles.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Notting Hill Carnival, held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, is the largest and most anticipated festival celebration of its kind in Europe.

The carnival takes place in West London is organised by more than 40,000 volunteers and attended by more than 1 million people.

This year, it will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 27 to 29 August.