Double tragedy as mum and tourist attacked in Notting Hill Carnival incidents both die

31 August 2024, 14:32 | Updated: 1 September 2024, 08:11

A 32-year-old mother and a tourist have died after being attacked in separate incidents while attending the Notting Hill Carnival weekend have died, police have said.

Cher Maximen, who had been attending the Carnival last Sunday with her daughter, died in hospital on Saturday morning, Commander Charmain Brenyah confirmed.

Mussie Imnetu, a chef who was visiting London from Dubai, was found unconscious on Monday evening near Notting Hill, has also died from his injuries on Friday evening, police said.

Ms Brenyah said the deaths had been "devastating for both families" and they were both now being treated by the Met as murder investigations.

"Cher was at Carnival with her young child. We have been in close contact with our local authority partners and Cher's family since soon after this incident to make sure the child is safe and looked after," Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila of the Met's Homicide Command, said.

Shakiel Thibou, 20 and of Masbro Road, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with the attempted murder of Ms Maximen.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 25 September.

Police have said "in light of Cher’s death, the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)".

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In relation to Mr Imnetu, earlier this week Omar Wilson, 31, of Leytonstone, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 27 September.

His case will also be reviewed with the CPS, the Met said.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, leading the investigation from the Met's Homicide Command, said: "Mussie's family, friends and colleagues in London, Dubai, Sweden and Eritrea are inconsolable after receiving the worst news imaginable - our thoughts are with them and they are being supported by specialist officers."

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses of the attack on Mr Imnetu or for anyone who can help piece together his movements between 1pm, when he left The Arts Club in Dover Street, and when he arrived at Dr Power restaurant, in Queensway at 10:30pm.

"If you visited the restaurant between 22:00hrs and 23:30hrs on Monday night or were in the area and saw something, regardless of the reason you were there, please do get in touch," the DCI said.

Police officers will be outside the restaurant and the surrounding area on Monday to speak with local people.

"The attack happened around 23:20hrs," the DCI said in their appeal for witnesses."Customers at the venue tried to help stop the attack; we need to speak with these people and I urge them to contact us."

According to The Arts Club Dubai website, Imnetu has worked under chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing and has worked in London and New York.

Prior to his arrival at The Brasserie in The Arts Club Dubai, he enjoyed two spells at the sister Club in London, plus time at Oblix at The Shard and The Savoy Grill.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "It is heartbreaking that Cher Maximen and Mussie Imnetu have died after being attacked in separate incidents over the bank holiday weekend.

"My thoughts are with their families and friends at this truly terrible time.

"This violence is shocking, completely unacceptable and a betrayal of the values that (Notting Hill) Carnival was founded to celebrate."

Imnetu left The Arts Club on Dover Street - an exclusive members-only social club in Mayfair - shortly after 1pm on Monday.

He was alone and wearing a blue t-shirt and black jeans.

He later bought a white baseball cap.He arrived at Dr Power restaurant in Queensway at around 10.30pm and again, he was alone.

The restaurant was serving food from stalls outside and playing music.

The venue and surrounding area were extremely busy with people who had been to Carnival.

The force said Imnetu, who is a Swedish national, was visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lived and worked as a chef.