Nottingham Carnival security increased minutes before opening because of ‘acid attack threat’

Extensive queues on the way into Nottingham Caribean Carnival. Photo Credit - BBC

Families were subject to stricter searches after police received a report that acid may be brought to Nottingham Carnival.

Event organisers chose to introduce further safety precautions minutes before the Nottingham Caribbean Carnival began on Sunday (August 20) at the Victoria Embankment.

Extensive bag searches and a complete ban on all outside food and drink were introduced to reduce any risk of harm to the public.

The event information originally stated ‘you can take a picnic and soft drinks in but no alcohol – you may be searched’.

Colourful costume at the Nottingham Carnival Parade. Photo Credit: BBC

Helen Overton, the Carnival’s event manager, said: “Police received a report of males coming to throw acid at the event and we were only given that information just before the event opened.

“Our first and main priority was to prevent anyone attending the carnival from being potentially injured based on the information given by police.

“We adopted the protocol to prevent acid attacks which is done throughout the whole country where there is a risk.

“We did absolutely everything possible to keep people calm.”

She also stated that water was available for free which is part of the Carnival’s licensing agreement.

Eye witnesses said they were prevented from taking any food or drink into the carnival including unopened water bottles and baby’s milk formula.

Carnival goers took to Twitter to voice their opinions on the policies.

A spokesperson for Notts Police said: “Nottinghamshire Police received information from an anonymous source about the Caribbean Carnival.

“The information was uncorroborated, extremely vague and did not relate to the event’s location – as such it was not considered an immediate threat to the event.

“As a precaution, the event organisers were made aware of the information and they took the decision to stop people taking liquids into the event.

“Officers working during the event were also briefed to be vigilant to any suspicious activity.

“The event went ahead without any incident of this nature occurring.

“The Caribbean Carnival is an important event in Nottingham’s multi-cultural calendar and the police have worked very hard providing advice to the event organisers to ensure that the carnival is safe for all to attend.

“Officers had a very enjoyable time at the event interacting with the carnival-goers and supporting the security on site.​”

Cooking up Caribean cuisine at Nottingham Carnival. Photo Credit: BBC

The annual event celebrating Caribbean culture turned 18 this year and featured a wide variety of music, cuisine, and colourful costume.