Showers fail to dampen spirits on first fay of Notting Hill Carnival

Crowds of spectators lined the three-and-a-half-mile route as dancers in flamboyant, brightly-coloured outfits paraded through the streets of west London to the sounds of steel drums.

Cloudy skies and a short burst of heavy rain did not stop people enjoying the spectacle of Children's Day and tucking into traditional Caribbean food at Europe's biggest street festival.

Notting Hill Carnival director Ancil Barclay said: "It's been excellent. We've had some exceptional costumes on display today. There was a bit of rain earlier, but it has not stopped the flow of floats coming through the judging point and the crowds of spectators. The atmosphere has been fantastic."

The 6m policing strategy appeared to be running smoothly, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 12 arrests by late afternoon for public order and drink-driving offences, plus drugs possession.

An estimated 5,000 officers were patrolling the event both yesterday and today, helping to secure the parade route.

Police Chief Insp Jo Edwards said: "It is early days. It's the first day, a traditionally quieter day, but we are not being complacent.

"We are expecting a busier day tomorrow and we have measures in place to prepare for it.

"We will be continuing our operations targeting known troublemakers who use the carnival as a cover to settle old scores and commit acts of crime.

"We will be focusing on the small minority of offenders, carrying out our searches both outside and within the carnival area."

Search points operated at all entrances to the event to prevent weapons being carried on to the streets, while specialist spotters watched out for known criminals.

British Transport Police officers were patrolling the Tube and rail system, with mobile metal detection arches being used at some stations.

Teams of officers also targeted pickpockets who have blighted previous carnivals and owners with suspected dangerous dogs.

A four-week Met Police crackdown ahead of the event resulted in 101 arrests and the seizure of knives, weapons and drugs.

The force launched pre-emptive action named Operation Razorback amid fears crime gangs linked to drugs and violence might clash during the carnival.

Dawn raids carried out earlier this month unearthed 64,000 cash, large quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis, plus weapons including hunting knives, samurai swords and a firearm.