Fears of fresh riots in London

UK: Police will be on high alert at the Notting Hill Carnival in London this weekend amid fears that Europe’s biggest street festival could be marred by a repeat of this month’s devastating riots.

The annual extravaganza, dubbed by organisers as a “Caribbean showcase for the world”, attracts a million spectators to see floats with powerful sound systems packed with outlandishly dressed dancers make their way through west London.

With costumes such as colourful headdresses decorated with feathers and huge wings, the troupes dance in front of packed crowds as the smell of exotic food fills the air, in an event that is a huge tourist draw for the area.

But the festivities on Sunday and Monday’s highpoint which is also a public holiday almost did not take place at all this year in the wake of riots that erupted in the capital and spread across England. AFP