by A mother and chef died in hospital within a day of each other after being the victims of violent attacks during Notting Hill Carnival, police say.
Cher Maximen was saved at Carnival in front of her three-year-old daughter as she tried to save a man from being attacked on Saturday.
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 Carnival in Queensway on Bank Holiday Monday.
Mayor Sadiq Khan described the double tragedy as “heartbreaking” and said the violence was “a flagrant violation of the values Carnival was founded to celebrate”.
Carnival organizers said: “Notting Hill Carnival is saddened 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, have suffered all too often due to the plague of violent crime.
“We stand together against all violence and we condemn these actions, which are against all carnival values and the millions of people who come to celebrate them.”
Ms Maximen, 32, was left in a critical condition after trying to protect a man from an attack on Golborne Road at around 6pm on Sunday 25 August.
She was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington but despite the efforts of medical staff, Ms Maximen died on Saturday morning, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila from the Met’s Homicide Command said: “My thoughts are with Cher’s family as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
“They are being supported by specialist officers and we will ensure that support continues.
“Cher was at the 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 ensure the child is safe and cared for.”
On Tuesday, officers arrested Shakiel Thibou, 20, of Masbro Road in Hammersmith.
He was charged with attempted murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 25.
Thibou’s two brothers were also seen in the dock with him in connection with the same incident.
Sheldon Thibou, 24, of Hammersmith has been charged with violent disorder, possession of a stun gun and assaulting an emergency worker.
Meanwhile Shaeim Thibou, 22, of West Kensington has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He has entered a not guilty plea to the charges.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how Ms Maximen was saved as she tried to stop another attack on the carnival.
Prosecutor Adriatic Ahmed told the court: “She looked innocent. While protecting the intended victim … she was stabbed. She fell back on the ground.
“The offense took place in broad daylight.”
“In light of Cher’s death, the offense will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service,” the Met said on Saturday.
Commander Carmain Brenyah, the Met’s Carnival spokesman, said: “The news of Cher’s tragic death is a disaster for her family, the wider community and all those involved in delivering Notting Hill Carnival.
“Carnival is about bringing people together in positive celebration. If the tragic loss of life, among other incidents of serious violence, has ended, it will be sad for everyone involved.”
Chef’s family ‘distraught’ after ‘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 the Carnival on Monday 26 August.
The Swedish national, 41, was found with a head injury in Queensway hours after leaving a private members club.
Officers provided emergency first aid until paramedics arrived.
Mr Imnetu was taken to a west London hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died on Friday, Met Police said.
On Thursday Omar Wilson, 31, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, was charged with 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 offense will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service,” the Met said on Saturday.
Mr Imnetu suffered bleeding on the brain and multiple cardiac arrests, prosecutor Rhianne Neil told Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He worked as head chef at The Brasserie in The Arts Club in Dubai and worked under the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Alain Ducasse and Marcus Wareing.
The Arts Club paid tribute to Mr Imnetu explaining that he was “known for his passion, his calm demeanor and his kindness”.
A spokesman said: “He was a keen footballer and his now eight-year-old son was famous for tasting his culinary masterpieces.
“Mussie will be missed by all the Art Club staff. His legacy will live on through the passion and excellence he communicated to those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
He previously worked at the Oblix at the Shard and The Savoy Grill, as well as The Arts Club in London, according to the private members club’s website.
The Swedish national left the Arts Club on Dover Street shortly after 1pm on Monday.
He was alone wearing 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 around 10.30pm.
The restaurant was serving food from the stalls outside and playing music and the center and the surrounding area were very busy with people who were at the Carnival.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who led the investigation from the Met’s Homicide Command, said: “Mussie’s family, friends and colleagues in London, Dubai, Sweden and Eritrea are devastated by the devastating news to imagine – our ideas are with them and they are being presented. supported by specialist officers.
“Our investigation is progressing well, but we are still keen to hear from anyone who can help piece together Mussie’s movements between 13:00 and knowing he left The Arts Club in Dover Street, W1 and when he arrived at Dr Power’s restaurant, in Queensway at 22:30.
“If you visited the restaurant between 22:00 and 23:30 on Monday night or if you were in the area and saw something, no matter why you were there, please get in touch.
“We focus on what happened to Mussie. Did you speak to him at the restaurant or do you have any images or videos between these times that could help the investigation? The attack happened around 23:20. Customers at the mall tried to help stop the attack; we need to talk 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 2 September “to distribute appeal leaflets and speak to local people one week after the murder”, the Met said.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “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 appalling, completely unacceptable and a betrayal of the values that (Notting Hill) Carnival was founded to celebrate.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101, send messages to @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 8020/26AUG.
Information can also be provided online, by visiting this dedicated appeals page.
