LONDON — Two people who were critically injured in attacks while attending London’s Notting Hill Carnival earlier this week have died, police said Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police force said 32-year-old Cher Maximen died early Saturday after being stabbed in the street on Aug. 25. She had been visiting the carnival, billed as Europe’s biggest street party, with her child, who was not hurt.
A 20-year-old local man was arrested and charged with attempted murder, and is now likely to face a murder charge.
Police also announced the death of Mussie Imnetu, 41, who was found unconscious in a west London street with a head injury on Monday night. The chef had been visiting Britain from his home in Dubai.
A 31-year-old London man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, and police said the charge would be reviewed after Imnetu’s death.
More than 1 million people each year attend the carnival, a two-day celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture that takes place on the streets of the Notting Hill neighborhood in west London.
The event draws revelers from around the world for its flamboyant dancers, colorful costumes, rousing steel bands and booming outdoor sound systems, but is sometimes marred by violence on the sidelines. Police said eight people were stabbed at the event this year and more than 300 people were arrested, most for possessing an offensive weapon or drug offenses.
“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,” said Commander Charmain Brenyah, the police spokesperson for Carnival.
Two individuals have tragically lost their lives after being attacked at London’s Notting Hill Carnival, according to a report from the police. The annual carnival, which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, when a fight broke out between two groups of people at the carnival. The two individuals, both men in their 20s, were reportedly stabbed during the altercation and later succumbed to their injuries. The police have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that may help in identifying the perpetrators.
The news of the deaths has sent shockwaves through the community, as the Notting Hill Carnival is meant to be a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. The event, which has been held since 1966, features colorful parades, live music, and delicious food, and is a highlight of the summer for many Londoners.
However, incidents of violence have marred the carnival in recent years, prompting calls for increased security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. The police have implemented a number of measures to prevent crime at the event, including increased patrols and the use of metal detectors to screen for weapons.
Despite these efforts, the tragic deaths at this year’s carnival serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when attending large public events. The police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.
As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, there is a renewed sense of urgency to address the root causes of violence and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The Notting Hill Carnival is a beloved tradition that should be enjoyed by all, and it is up to everyone to work together to ensure that it remains a safe and inclusive event for years to come.
