Woman stabbed during Notting Hill Carnival celebrations dies
Cher Maximen was given immediate medical treatment on Sunday
Last updated 31st Aug 2024
A woman who was seriously injured at Notting Hill Carnival has sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Cher Maximen had been attending the celebrations on Sunday (August 25th) when she was stabbed.
Police operating in the area were then deployed to Golbourne Road, where she was found by officers patrolling the event.
Officers proceeded to give emergency medical treatment to Maximen until paramedics arrived on the scene and transported her to hospital.
The woman was described by doctors as being in a "critical" condition in hospital. However, nearly a week after being admitted, Cher was pronounced dead in hospital on Saturday morning (August 31st).
Investigations into the woman's stabbing began hours following the incident, with the Met's Specialist Crime Command taking on enquiries.
On Tuesday (August 27th), officers arrested 20-year-old Shakiel Thibou from Masbro Road, in the W12 postcode.
He was later charged with attempted murder and was remanded in custody to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court the following day.
After appearing before the judge, the defendant's case was adjourned, and he will now appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, September 25th.
Following Cher's death, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service will review the charge being made against Thibou.
A second man, 41-year-old chef Mussie Imnetu was also pronounced dead after sustaining a serious head injury outside the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway at 11:22pm the following day (Monday, August 26th).
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who is leading the investigation, paid tribute to Cher.
"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," he said.
"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."
As well as this, Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for Carnival, added: "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."
In a separate statement, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan led the public's tributes, saying: "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 carnival was founded to celebrate."