Man dies near Notting Hill Carnival after police pursuit
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 20s died after entering a canal on Monday afternoon.
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A man in his 20s died on Monday afternoon near the Notting Hill Carnival after entering a canal. Metropolitan Police officers had attempted to stop the man at approximately 15:19 BST near Harrow Road. He fled on foot, with officers in pursuit, and entered the water in the vicinity of Meanwhile Gardens, off Kensal Road.
Officers and members of the public entered the canal to pull the man from the water. Police immediately began CPR at the scene. Paramedics were called and continued treatment before transporting the man to a central London hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 16:43.
Two men hospitalised after assault in Notting Hill
An unknown substance was used in an attack on Ladbroke Grove on the evening of 27 August 2026.
Independent investigation to follow
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will investigate the death. Cdr Claire Smart, gold commander for the Notting Hill Festival, stated that any death following contact with the police is passed to the IOPC for a full investigation. She urged the public to avoid speculation while this process takes place.
Cdr Smart acknowledged the efforts of officers and members of the public who entered the canal to rescue the man, expressing that they would be devastated that his life could not be saved. Urgent enquiries are underway to locate and inform the man's next of kin.
Ambulance crews faced 73% rise in alcohol incidents on bank holiday Monday
London Ambulance Service attended 467 alcohol-related incidents over the August bank holiday weekend, with a significant surge on the final day.
Carnival arrests
The Metropolitan Police reported that the two-day festival had passed largely without major incident. On Monday evening, police confirmed 315 arrests had been made that day, bringing the total number of arrests across the carnival to 560. The force also reported two assaults involving knives, one stabbing and one slashing, neither of which resulted in life-threatening injuries.
Questions this report answers
+What happened near Notting Hill Carnival on Monday afternoon?
A man in his 20s died after entering a canal near Meanwhile Gardens. Police officers had attempted to stop him before he fled and entered the water. He was pulled out and later pronounced dead at a central London hospital.
+Who will investigate the man's death?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death. This is standard procedure for any death following contact with the police.
+How many arrests were made during the carnival?
The Metropolitan Police reported 315 arrests on Monday, bringing the total number of arrests for the Notting Hill Carnival to 560. There were also two reported assaults involving knives.
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