Two dead after Notting Hill Carnival

Mum Cher Maximen and chief Mussie Imnetu were attacked separately last weekend

Mussie Imnetu and Cher Maximen
Author: Kat WrightPublished 1st Sep 2024

Police are looking to have charges against two suspects changed - after two people who were attacked separately at the Notting Hill Carnival have now died.

Cher Maximen, 32, was stabbed in front of her young daughter last Sunday (25 Aug); while Mussie Imnetu, 41, suffered head injuries on Monday night in Queensway.

In the light of these deaths, the Met Police say offences of attempted murder and GBH with intent will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Cher Maximen

Shortly before 6pm on Sunday, 25 August, officers in Golborne Road, W10 as part of the Carnival policing operation became aware of a woman who had been stabbed.

The officers gave emergency medical treatment until the arrival of paramedics. The woman, who was later identified as 32-year-old Cher Maximen, was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Cher died on the morning of Saturday, 31 August.

Shakiel Thibou, 20 (29.05.2004) of Masbro Road, W12. was charged with attempted murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 September.

“Cher was at Carnival with her young child."

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."

Mussie Imnetu

Mussie Imnetu, who was 41 and visiting the UK from Dubai where he lived and worked, was found unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, W2 just before 11.30pm no Monday, 26 August.

Mussie was taken to a west London hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died on Friday, 30 August,

Omar Wilson, 31 of Napier Road, Leytonstone was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 30 August, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 27 September.

In light of Mussie’s death, the Met Police say the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Response from Home Secretary

The Home Secretary's described the news of the two deaths as deeply distressing and shocking.

Yvette Cooper says the "terrible and appalling" violence has no place on our streets.

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