Two victims of separate attacks during the Notting Hill Carnival weekend have died, the Metropolitan Police confirmed today. Cher Maximen, a 32-year-old mother, and Mussie Imnetu, a chef visiting from Dubai, succumbed to their injuries in what are now being treated as murder investigations.
Cher Maximen, who was attending the carnival with her three-year-old daughter, was stabbed on Sunday. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away in the hospital on Saturday morning. Metropolitan Police Commander Charmain Brenyah described the incident as “devastating for both families,” stating that the police were fully committed to investigating these crimes.
“Cher’s tragic death is a blow to her family, the wider community, and everyone involved in organizing the Notting Hill Carnival,” Brenyah added, noting that Maximen’s young daughter is receiving support following the tragedy.
Mussie Imnetu, 41, a chef from Dubai, was found unconscious with a head injury near Notting Hill on Monday evening. He died on Friday after spending several days in a west London hospital. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, leading the investigation, expressed his sorrow over the news. “His family, friends, and colleagues across London, Dubai, Sweden, and Eritrea are inconsolable,” he said.
Notting Hill Carnival organizers expressed their shock and grief over the deaths, condemning the violence as “a betrayal of the values that the carnival stands for.” “We stand together against all violence and condemn these acts, which are against all carnival values and the millions of people who come in celebration of them,” a spokesperson stated.
Details of the Incidents
Maximen was reportedly attempting to intervene in a fight before she was stabbed. A suspect, Shakiel Thibou, 20, of Hammersmith, has been charged with attempted murder and appeared in court on Wednesday.
In relation to Imnetu’s death, Omar Wilson, 31, of Leytonstone, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court later in September.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the news “heartbreaking,” stating, “This violence is shocking, completely unacceptable, and a betrayal of the values that Notting Hill Carnival was founded to celebrate.”
Tributes to the Victims
Imnetu, who was the head chef at The Arts Club in Dubai, was described as “known for his passion, calm demeanor, and kindness.” A spokesperson for the club praised his culinary skills and said, “Mussie will be dearly missed by the entire team. His legacy will live on through the passion and excellence he instilled in those around him.”
The Arts Club also noted that Imnetu, originally from Eritrea, had worked under renowned chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay, and Marcus Wareing. He was a keen footballer who often relied on his eight-year-old son to taste-test his dishes.
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal to the public for information related to these incidents, urging anyone who may have been in the area during the time of the attacks to come forward.
Both cases are being reviewed in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service.
