This week in 1976 more than 100 police officers had to be taken to hospital after clashes at Notting Hill Carnival in west London.
Around 60 carnival-goers also needed hospital treatment after the clashes which led to the arrest of at least 66 people.
The trouble is believed to have started after police tried to arrest a pickpocket near Portobello Road on the main carnival route.
Several black youths went to the pickpocket’s aid and within minutes the disturbance escalated.
The police were attacked with stones and other missiles.
In 1976, the annual Caribbean carnival had become massive, with around 150,000 people attending. However, in that year and several subsequent years, the carnival was marred by riots, in which predominantly Caribbean youths fought with policeâa target due to the continuous harassment the population felt they were under.
Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon of The Clash were present at Notting Hill riots in 1976, it inspired them to write “White Riot” and a photo from the scene is used on the back cover of their debut album.
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Featured image via The Sun.
