A mother and a top chef have died in hospital within a day of each other after being victims of violent attacks at Notting Hill Carnival, police said.
Cher Maximen was stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter at the carnival on Saturday when she tried to save a man from an attack.
Her death comes a day after chef Mussie Imnetu, who worked under the likes of Gordon Ramsay, died of “catastrophic brain injuries” after being found unconscious near the Carnival in Queensway on Bank Holiday Monday.
Mayor Sadiq Khan described the double tragedy as “heartbreaking” and said the violence was “a betrayal of the values that Carnival was founded to celebrate”.
The carnival organisers said: “Notting Hill Carnival is shocked by these tragic deaths and our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the local community as a whole, which, like so many others, has suffered all too often from the scourge of violent crime.
“We jointly oppose all forms of violence and condemn these acts, which are contrary to all carnival values and the millions of people who come to celebrate these values.”
Ms Maximen, 32, was left in a critical condition after she tried to protect someone from an attack on Golborne Road at around 6pm on Sunday, August 25.
She was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington but despite the best efforts of medical staff, Ms Maximen died on Saturday morning, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, of the Met’s homicide squad, said: “My thoughts are with Cher’s loved ones as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
“They receive support from specialist agents and we ensure that this support continues.
“Cher was at Carnival with her young child. We have been in close contact with our local government partners and Cher’s family since shortly after this incident to ensure the child is safe and well cared for.”
On Tuesday, officers arrested Shakiel Thibou, 20, of Masbro Road in Hammersmith.
He was charged with attempted murder and appeared at Westminster Crown Court on Wednesday.
He was remanded in custody and was due to appear at the Old Bailey court on September 25.
Two of Thibou’s brothers also appeared in the dock alongside him in connection with the same incident.
Sheldon Thibou, 24, from Hammersmith, has been charged with violent disorder, possession of a stun gun and assaulting an emergency worker.
Meanwhile, Shaeim Thibou, 22, from West Kensington, has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Westminster Crown Court heard how Ms Maximen was stabbed as she tried to prevent another fairgoer from being attacked.
Prosecutor Adriatic Ahmed told the court: “She was an innocent bystander. While she was protecting the intended victim … she was stabbed. She fell back to the ground.
“The offense took place in broad daylight.”
“In light of Cher’s death, the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service,” the Met said on Saturday.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, Carnival spokesperson on behalf of the Met, said: “The news of Cher’s tragic death is devastating for her family, the wider community and everyone involved in the organisation of 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.”
Chef’s family ‘inconsolable’ after receiving ‘the worst news imaginable’
Her death comes a day after Mr Imnetu, who was visiting the UK from Dubai, died in hospital after being found unconscious near Carnival on Monday, August 26.
The 41-year-old Swede was found with head injuries in Queensway, hours after leaving a private club.
Officers provided first aid until emergency services arrived.
Mr Imnetu was taken to a hospital in west London where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died on Friday, the Met Police said.
Thursday Omar Wilson, 31, of Napier Road, Leytonstone was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 27.
“In light of Mussie’s death, the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service,” the Met said on Saturday.
Mr Imnetu suffered a brain haemorrhage and multiple cardiac arrests, prosecutor Rhianne Neil told Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He worked as a chef at The Brasserie at The Arts Club in Dubai and worked with Gordon Ramsay, Alain Ducasse and Marcus Wareing among others.
The Arts Club paid tribute to Mr Imnetu, explaining that he was “known for his passion, calm demeanor and kindness”.
A spokeswoman said: “He was a keen footballer and was counting on his now eight-year-old son to sample his culinary masterpieces.
“Mussie will be greatly missed by the entire team at The Arts Club. His legacy will live on through the passion and excellence he brought to those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
According to the private members’ club’s website, he previously worked at the Oblix at the Shard and The Savoy Grill, as well as The Arts Club in London.
The Swedish national left The Arts Club on Dover Street shortly after 1pm on Monday.
He was alone and wore a blue t-shirt and black jeans. Later he bought a white baseball cap.
Mr Imnetu then arrived alone at Dr Power’s restaurant in Queensway at approximately 10.30pm.
The restaurant served food from stalls outside and played music, while the venue and surrounding area were extremely busy with people who had been to the carnival.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation on behalf 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.
“Our investigation is well underway but we are still keen to hear from anyone who can help us reconstruct Mussie’s movements between 1pm, when we know he left The Arts Club in Dover Street, W1, and when he arrived at Dr Power’s restaurant in Queensway at 10.30pm.
“If you visited the restaurant or were in the area between 10pm and 11:30pm on Monday evening and saw anything, regardless of the reason for your visit, please contact us.
“Our focus is on what happened to Mussie. Did you speak to him at the restaurant or do you have any footage or video between these times that could help the investigation? The attack occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. Customers at the location attempted to stop the attack; we need to speak to these people and I urge them to contact us.”
Officers will be outside the restaurant and in the surrounding area from 9pm on Monday, September 2 “distributing leaflets and talking to local people, a week after the murder”, the Met added.
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 long 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, message @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 8020/26AUG.
You can also provide information online by visiting this special call page.