252 arrested during Notting Hill Carnival

Revellers adjust their outfits during the rain at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London, August 25, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - A total of 252 people have been arrested during the two-day Notting Hill Carnival in western London, local police said on Tuesday.

According to figures released by Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, 252 people related to a variety of offences had been arrested during the two-day annual street festival, although heavy rain hit on Monday, the second day of the carnival.

Europe's largest carnival opens in London

Among those arrested, 76 were related to drugs possession and possession with intent to supply, 43 violated public order, and other 23 were for possession of offensive weapon.

Figure showed that 14 people were arrested as they assaulted police. Two policemen have been sent to hospital for treatment after assaults, but neither of them suffered serious injuries.

The total number of arrested people fell this year, comparing to 301 detained last year. In 2012, 278 people were held during the carnival.

"Although early indications are that reported crime is down at this year's Notting Hill Carnival, I am concerned by the number of stabbings over the weekend. Stabbings are up on last year, and in some cases these are just centimetres from being a murder. Each will be thoroughly investigated and we will do everything possible to ensure those who brought trouble to Carnival are placed before the courts," said Bernard Hogan-Howe, commissioner of Metropolitan Police.

To maintain the order of the festival, about 7,000 police officers were dispatched to the scene on Monday, the main celebration day of the carnival, while more than 1,000 officers were also sent out on Sunday, the family day for the carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival is one of the largest street festival in Europe. Originated in early 1960s, it was a festival for celebrating cultures and traditions by Afro-Caribbean communities.

Taking place every August, the carnival features jubilant parade, flamboyant costumes, music and dance along the carnival route, which attracted millions of visitors across the world.

This year's celebration fell on Sunday and Monday.