Police are finalising plans to prevent mayhem at this years Notting Hill carnival.

Cops will target knife carrying youth’s intent on causing trouble at Europe's biggest street festival. Section 60 stop and search powers will allow officers to shake down anyone, even without reasonable suspicion.

Two million to attend

Two million people are expected to join the event over the 24-25 August bank holidays and there are concerns the recent knife crime epidemic could spill onto the streets around Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill.

Chief Insp Jo Edwards vowed to remove troublemakers and pointed to the success of Operation Blunt 2. She said cops will:

"...make it as hard as possible for people carrying weapons to get into the carnival."

Operation Razorback

Known criminals and gang members have already been identified under Operation Razorback, letters have also been sent out deterring certain people from attending.

Stop and searches at entry points, hand held knife wands and mobile knife arches will help deter thugs. Officers will also be looking for dangerous dog after complaints last year.

Last year a gang war was thwarted when police raided a 'weapons shop' loaded with handguns, CS gas canisters and stun guns. Fears were that South London gangs had planned a clash using the crowds as cover.

11,000 officers patrolled the carnival last year, there was one stabbing and most of the 54 arrests were for minor offences.

Photo: Flickr