LONDON, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- London police say they thwarted attempts to incite rioting at the Notting Hill Carnival via social media.
About 16,000 police officers were stationed across the city Sunday for the start of the carnival in the upscale neighborhood, which is the largest street festival in Europe, The Daily Telegraph reported.
"We do have intelligence that some gangs do want to come to the carnival and create trouble for us," said police Commander Steve Rodhouse.
In the wake of recent rioting in the city, carnival festivities are being restricted this year. Along with enhanced police presence, the parade was made to end by 6:30 p.m. and sound systems had to be off by 7 p.m., which is earlier than usual.
More than 1 million people are expected to attend the carnival, despite the restrictions.
"It's right that carnival goes ahead so we can show the world that the overwhelming majority of London's people are decent, law-abiding citizens who respect the law, love their city and want to celebrate our vibrant, diverse and historical culture," said London's mayor, Boris Johnson.
