Notting Hill Carnival: Record number of police officers

The second day of the Notting Hill Carnival is under way with record numbers of police officers on duty.



More than 6,500 police officers were to take to the streets in an effort to prevent trouble in the wake of riots in London earlier this month.



More than a million people are expected to attend the two-day event.



By 08:00 BST on Monday, 88 people had been arrested at the carnival, thought to be Europe's biggest street festival, which is due to finish at 19:00 BST.



The festivities will draw to a close 90 minutes earlier than last year.



The carnival got off to a peaceful start on Kids' Day on Sunday, with more than 5,500 officers on duty.



The arrests were for a variety of offences including drugs possession, public order, theft, criminal damage, robbery and assault, the Metropolitan Police (Met) said.



Some roads and Tube stations have been closed for the carnival and Transport for London has issued a guide with full details.

'True spirit'



Met Commander Steve Rodhouse said: "Through effective stop and search we believe we have deterred and prevented trouble from taking place."We will make sure that our officers are out stopping the right people so everyone else can take part and join in the fun."



Elsewhere in London there are more than 4,000 additional officers "as well as the thousands who are normally on duty", Mr Rodhouse said.



London Mayor Boris Johnson has issued a rallying call to "let the true spirit of London shine through", hoping the carnival will help heal wounds left by the riots.



"It's right that carnival goes ahead so we can show the world that the overwhelming majority of London's people are decent, law-abiding citizens who respect the law, love their city and want to celebrate our vibrant, diverse and historical culture," he said.



In both 2009 and 2010, there were more than 200 arrests across the two days.