Man fighting for his life after being stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival

Thousands of partygoers flocked to the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in a surge of colour and music, but one reveller has been left in hospital.

The vibrant street party’s 50th anniversary was a day of hard work for the emergency services.

London Ambulance Service said it had treated 345 patients and taken 43 to hospital by 7pm.

The man left fighting for his life was the victim of one of four reported knife attacks.

Scotland Yard said it had arrested 71 people over the same time for a variety of alleged offences.

These included two alleged sexual offences, 50 drugs offences, 20 counts of possession of offensive weapons, four counts of actual bodily harm, two of grievous bodily harm, one alleged theft and one public disorder.

At least 60 bands will perform and 38 sound systems will be in place over the two-day event, which continues over the bank holiday.

A heavy police presence will continue into Monday as the Met has introduced advanced security measures, including a facial recognition system.