The leader of Luton Council said she is ‘appalled’ the town’s festival was marred by violent scenes, which saw four people stabbed.
The mass brawl started in St Georges Square two hours after the festival had finished peacefully. The fight resulted in four people being taken to hospital with stab wounds and several others being injured.
Council leader, Hazel Simmons, said: ‘I am absolutely appalled by the scenes in Luton town centre on Sunday evening. Violent behaviour like this is unacceptable in this town.
‘Tonight we should all be sitting back and celebrating what was a fantastic spectacle earlier that day with thousands of people coming out and enjoying a wonderful carnival event in Wardown Park. Instead we have to condemn the actions of a small minority of people who have shown complete and utter disrespect to the town and its people.’
The police confirmed one man and five youths have been arrested in connection with the disorder. Several weapons have been recovered from the scene and CCTV is being analysed to identify those responsible.
