Two people have died after separate attacks at the Notting Hill Carnival, making this year’s event the deadliest in more than two decades.
Cher Maximen, 38, was stabbed in the groin in front of her three-year-old daughter when she tried to break up a fight at the west London event on Aug 25.
Ms Maximen was taken to hospital from the scene in Golborne Road and went into a coma after losing five litres of blood. One of her lungs collapsed.
Shortly after 11.20pm the following evening, Mussie Imnetu, a 41-year-old Swedish chef, was found unconscious by police close to the festival.
Mr Imnetu, who is originally from Eritrea and had trained under several chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay, was visiting the UK on business from Dubai, where he lived and worked as the head chef at the Arts Club.
In a statement on Saturday, Scotland Yard confirmed that both Ms Maximen and Mr Imnetu had died from their injuries. It was the highest number of fatalities at the carnival since 2000, when two men were murdered.
‘This violence is shocking’
This year’s event saw eight people stabbed and 334 arrests over the bank holiday weekend, the majority for possession of an offensive weapon and drug offences. A total of 50 officers were injured while policing the carnival.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said in a statement: “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 family and friends at this truly terrible time.
“This violence is shocking, completely unacceptable, and a betrayal of the values that Carnival was founded to celebrate.”
Shakiel Thibou, 20, from Hammersmith, west London, was charged with the attempted murder of Ms Maximen, along with violent disorder and possession of a knife. He appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court on Wednesday.
His brothers, Sheldon Thibou, 24, also from Hammersmith, and Shaeim Thibou, 22, from Fulham, appeared at court alongside him, charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
Shakiel and Sheldon Thibou gave no indication of pleas during the hearing. Shaeim Thibou indicated a not-guilty plea.
John Zani, the district judge, remanded them into custody to next appear together for a hearing at the Old Bailey on Sep 25.
Det Ch Insp Alex Gammampila, of the Met’s Homicide Command, said: “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.”
‘Tragic loss of life’
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s Carnival spokesman, said: “The news of Cher’s tragic death is devastating for her family, the wider community and all those involved in delivering the Notting Hill Carnival.
“Carnival is about bringing people together in a positive celebration. That it has ended with the tragic loss of life, among other incidents of serious violence, will sadden everyone involved.”
Omar Wilson, a 31-year-old from Leytonstone, east London, was arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the attack on Mr Imnetu on Aug 26.
Mr Imnetu was last seen at Dr Power restaurant in Queensway at 10.30pm, and detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to piece together his last moments.
Wilson appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court on Friday, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark crown court on Sep 27.
Det Ch Insp Brian Howie, of 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.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 101, messages @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 giving the reference 8020/26AUG.
