The Kinetika Group moments before hearing the carnival had been cancelled. Picture: Carmen Valino.

The Hackney One Carnival was cancelled at the last minute yesterday (Sunday) due to fears the riots in Tottenham could spread to the borough.

Police believed the event was set to be hijacked by people eager to use the event to spark more violence after mob attacks in Tottenham on Saturday night.

Dancers who had been due to take part in Hackney’s popular carnival were all dressed up with nowhere to go, after they were informed by organisers that the event had been cancelled minutes before it was due to start.

They were waiting in Ridley Road Market, ready to start their procession along Stoke Newington Church Street en route to Clissold Park.

A Hackney Police spokeswoman said: “Following information received, we have liaised with the organisers of Hackney Carnival and informed them that certain elements were planning on attending the Hackney Carnival intent on a repeat of last night’s violence.”