Tragedy Strikes at London’s Notting Hill Carnival as Two People Lose Lives

In a devastating incident, two people have died following attacks at the Notting Hill Carnival in London, one of the world’s largest street festivals. The victims, a mother and a chef, had been in hospital since the assaults occurred.

The mother, 32-year-old Cher Maximen, was stabbed in the groin after intervening in a fight last Sunday. She passed away on Saturday morning while still in hospital. Maximen was attending the annual event in west London with her three-year-old daughter and other family and friends. A 20-year-old man has been charged with her attempted murder and will face a reviewed charge after her death.

The second victim was 41-year-old Mussie Imnetu, a chef from Sweden who was visiting the UK on business. He was found unconscious with a head injury outside a busy restaurant in west London, where the carnival was taking place. Imnetu died on Friday night, and a 31-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a charge that will also be reviewed following the chef’s death.

London’s Metropolitan Police have charged two people suspected of carrying out each assault and arrested hundreds of people in connection with the carnival celebrations, which have seen eight people stabbed and numerous arrests.

In a statement, Met Commander Charmain Brenyah expressed her condolences to those affected by the tragic incidents, stating, "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."

This article originally appeared on [Media Talk Africa]