Police are again looking for witnesses after a fatal stabbing near the Notting Hill Carnival

Detectives investigating the fatal knife attack on a man near the Notting Hill Carnival are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Mussie Imnetu, aged 41 and visiting the UK from Dubai, where he lived and worked, was found unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, W2, at 11.22pm on Monday 26 August.

Officers administered first aid until paramedics arrived. Mussie was taken to a hospital in west London where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly passed away on Friday 30 August.

On Thursday, 31-year-old Omar Wilson was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 30, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 27.

In view of Mr Imnetu's death, the offence is being investigated jointly with the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Today (Monday 2 September), officers will be outside The Arts Club restaurant in Dover Street, west London, which Mr Imnetu left before the stabbing, and in the surrounding area to hand out fundraising leaflets and speak to local people, a week after the murder.

Inconsolable

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation from the Metropolitan Police's Homicide Squad, said: “Mussie's family, friends and colleagues in London, Dubai, Sweden and Eritrea are heartbroken after receiving the worst possible news. Our thoughts are with them and they are being supported by specialist officers.”

“Our investigations are well advanced but we are still very interested to hear from anyone who can help reconstruct Mussie's movements between 1pm, when we know he left the Arts Club in Dover Street, W1, and his arrival at Dr Power Restaurant in Queensway at 10.30pm.

“If you visited the restaurant on Monday evening between 10pm and 11.30pm or were in the area and saw something, regardless of the reason for your visit, please be sure to contact us.

“Our focus is on what happened to Mussie. Did you speak to him at the restaurant or do you have any pictures or videos from that time that could help with the investigation? The attack occurred around 11:20 p.m.

“Local customers tried to prevent the attack. We need to talk to these people and I urge them to contact us.”

A day before Mr Imnetu's murder, 32-year-old Cher Maximen was stabbed to death in front of her three-year-old daughter at the carnival grounds as she tried to save a man from an attack.

Emergency treatment

After Ms Maximen was stabbed to death on Sunday, August 25, the police provided emergency medical care until the emergency services arrived.

She was later taken to hospital in critical condition, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died on the morning of Saturday, August 31.

Shakiel Thibou, 20, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today charged with the attempted murder of 32-year-old Cher Maximen.

Mr Thibou was charged with attempted murder and appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday 25 September.

In view of Ms Maximen’s death, the charges are being reviewed together with the public prosecutor’s office.

He appeared alongside his two brothers, 24-year-old Sheldon Thibou and 21-year-old Shaeim Thibou, who are both charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency medical technician, while Sheldon Thibou is additionally charged with possession of a stun gun.

Destructive

Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met's spokesperson for the Carnival, said: “The news of Cher's tragic death is devastating for her family, the wider community and everyone involved in running the Notting Hill Carnival.

“Carnival is meant to bring people together for a positive celebration. The fact that it ended with the tragic loss of life and other serious acts of violence will sadden everyone involved.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the double tragedy as “heartbreaking” and said the violence was “a betrayal of the values ​​that Carnival was originally created to celebrate.”

He added that his behavior “did not reflect the majority of people” who peacefully celebrated the annual event over the weekend.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, message @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 8020/26AUG.