Reward offered a year on from Notting Hill carnival murder

£20,000 is being offered for information over the death of dad-to-be Takayo Nembhard.

Dad-to-be Takayo Nembhard
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 23rd Aug 2023

A year on from the murder of dad-to-be Takayo Nembhard at Notting Hill Carnival, a £20,000 reward is being offered for information that brings his attackers to justice.

The reward is being offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for anonymous information they receive that leads to a conviction. Crimestoppers take your information and pass it on to detectives whilst guaranteeing you stay totally anonymous.

It’s hoped this renewed appeal with a significant reward will encourage witnesses or anyone who can help to come forward.

No one ever charged

Although several arrests have been made – the most recent last week - and enquiries are ongoing, no one has yet been charged with Takayo’s murder. Officers will be at Notting Hill Carnival over the bank holiday weekend talking to visitors and making fresh appeals.

Detective Inspector Laura Semple, from Specialist Crime, said: “It has been a year since Takayo died and his family remain devastated at his loss. His son, who was born in November, is growing up having never known his dad.

“Takayo was a talented rapper and singer from Bristol who had visited the carnival with his friends and sister. He had done nothing to provoke the attack that day.

“Takayo was part of a loving and caring family. At the time of his murder, he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child together."

“We still really need the help of anyone who has information to bring those responsible to justice. I hope the offer of this substantial reward from the charity Crimestoppers with the appeal to contact them anonymously will encourage people to do the right thing.”

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Takayo was part of a loving and caring family. At the time of his murder, he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child together.

“There were many witnesses to the killing who could have vital information, but for whatever reason, have not yet come forward. Our charity, which is independent of the police, gives you the opportunity to pass on information about crime whilst staying completely anonymous.

“I know how hard it is to speak up, but you could make a difference. Every piece of information, no matter how small, is a step closer towards finding justice for Takayo.”

Takayo’s family, said: “Almost a year on, our family are in disbelief and continued sadness that Takayo’s passing goes unpunished. We will never get over him but justice being served will help us to move on.”

Hundreds of potential witnesses

Takayo, aged 21, sadly died in hospital after being stabbed at around 20:00hrs on Monday, 29 August 2022 in Ladbroke Grove, under the Westway flyover. A post-mortem examination showed he died from a stab wound to the right groin femoral artery.

A homicide investigation was launched and detectives have worked hard over the last year to examine CCTV and gather information to try to track down Takayo’s attackers.

There were several hundred people in the immediate area surrounding the murder and probably many witnesses. Detectives are still keen to hear from anyone with information, including anyone who was filming or photographing in the area at the time and may have captured relevant footage or images.

A dedicated page has been set up where witnesses can upload photos and videos of the incident. It is simple to use and can be accessed here

Information can also be provided by calling the incident room directly on 020 7175 2206 to speak to an officer, by calling 101 or by tweeting @MetCC quoting 7478/29AUG22.

Anyone wishing to remain 100 per cent anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling freephone 0800 555 111. They never ask for your personal information and they do not track your device.

To qualify for the reward, you must contact Crimestoppers directly. The reward is valid between 23 August and 23 November 2023 for information they exclusively receive and pass on that leads to conviction.

Several people have been arrested in connection with Takayo’s murder.

All are released under investigation while our enquiries continue.

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