Two people have died from injuries sustained in separate Notting Hill carnival attacks.
Cher Maximen, 32, was transported to hospital in a critical condition from Golborne Road last Sunday after she was caught in the middle of a fight between two groups of men.
The mother was brutally stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter before being rushed away by paramedics, but tragically despite best efforts from medical staff, Cher died this morning.
In a double tragedy from the event Mussie Imnetu – a Michelin star chef who hails from Eritrea but grew up in Sweden – was knocked unconscious on the busy shopping street in Queensway on Monday night, also in the vicinity of the carnival celebrations.
The 41-year-old, who had worked under Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, suffered a severe head injury in the assault and sadly passed away yesterday.
Arrests at this year’s carnival hit their highest level since 2019 with 334 detained in two days as police said they were ‘tired’ of violence blighting the event.
Cher Maximen, 32, was transported to hospital in a critical condition from Golborne Road after she got caught in a fight between two groups of men
The mother was tragically stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter before being rushed away
Mussie Imnetu – a Michelin star chef who hails from Eritrea but grew up in Sweden – was knocked unconscious on the busy shopping street in Queensway on Monday night
The 41-year-old suffered a head injury in the assault and sadly passed away yesterday
A court heard how Cher was stabbed with a ‘Rambo-style knife’ and suffered a cardiac arrest, after losing 20 units of blood and a collapsed lung.
20-year-old Shakiel was charged with attempted murder, possessing a knife and violent disorder.
He attended court alongside his older brothers Sheldon, 24, and Shaeim, 21, who were also charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
All three brothers wore grey tracksuits and spoke to confirm their name, date of birth and address as they sat in the dock together at the hearing.
Shakiel was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 September.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented: ‘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.’
In the case of Mussie, Omar Wilson a 31-year-old man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody at a south London police station.
Mr Imnetu was visiting the UK from Dubai where he lives and works as a top chef at The Arts Club. He designed a seasonal menu for the luxury restaurant ‘inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean and beyond.’
The club said in a statement: ‘After joining The Arts Club London in 2011, Mussie was part of the opening of the club’s Dubai location in 2020.
‘Known for his passion, calm demeanour and kindness, Mussie truly embodied the club’s essence.’
A court heard how Cher was stabbed with a ‘Rambo-style knife’ and suffered a cardiac arrest, after losing 20 units of blood and one of her lungs collapsed
Shakiel was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 September
Mr Imnetu was visiting the UK from Dubai where he lives and works as a top chef at The Arts Club
As part of a business trip to the UK, Mr Imnetu went to The Arts Club branch on Dover Street in West London on Monday afternoon.
He was wearing a blue t-shirt and black jeans. He later bought a white baseball cap.
Mr Imnetu left The Arts Club at around 1pm.
At around 10.30pm on Monday evening, Mr Imnetu went to the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway where food was being served from stalls outside and loud music was playing.
The venue and surrounding area was teeming with carnival-goers – some of whom helped to stop the attack at around 11.20pm, according to the force.
The organisers of Notting Hill Carnival said in a statement: ‘Notting Hill Carnival is shocked by these tragic deaths and our thoughts are with the victims’ families and the local community as a whole, which like so many others, has suffered all too often from the blight of violent crime.
‘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.’
German chef and restaurateur Rainer Becker (right) shares culinary tips with Mr Imnetu (left)
Dancers prepare to take part in the parade at the Notting Hill Carnival in London on Monday
Mr Imentu (left) with French chef Alain Passard (right)
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila of the Met’s Homicide Command, who leads the investigation, said: ‘My thoughts are with Cher’s loved ones as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
‘They are being supported by specialist officers and we will make sure that support continues.
‘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.’
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for Carnival, 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.’
Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or message @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 giving the reference 8020/26AUG.