Detectives appeal for information about attack in vicinity of Carnival

Detectives are appealing for the public's help to piece together the movements of a man who was attacked in the vicinity of Notting Hill Carnival on Monday night.

At 23:22hrs on Monday, officers who were deployed as part of the Carnival policing operation became aware of a man who was unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, W2. They provided emergency first aid until paramedics arrived.

The man, who officers are taking the unusual step of naming as 41-year-old Mussie Imnetu, is critically ill in hospital. His family is being supported by specialist officers.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command took on the investigation soon after Mussie was attacked. They have made extensive enquiries in an effort to identify a suspect.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, they arrested a 31-year-old man at an address in Newham on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody at a south London police station.

Mussie, a Swedish national, was visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lived and worked as a chef.

He left The Arts Club on Dover Street, W1 shortly after 13:00hrs on Monday. He was alone and wearing a blue t-shirt and black jeans. He later bought a white baseball cap.

He arrived at Dr Power restaurant in Queensway at around 22:30hrs and again, he was alone. The restaurant was serving food from stalls outside and playing music. The venue and surrounding area were extremely busy with people who had been to Carnival.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, leading the investigation from the Met's Homicide Command, said: “While the arrest of a suspect is a significant step in our investigation, we are still very keen to hear from anyone who can help piece together Mussie’s movements between when he left The Arts Club at 13:00hrs and when he arrived at Dr Power restaurant at 22:30hrs.

“If you visited the restaurant between 22:00hrs and 23:30hrs on Monday night or were in the area and saw something, regardless of the reason you were there, please do get in touch.

“Our focus is on what happened to Mussie. Did you speak with him at the restaurant or do you have any images or videos between these times that could assist the investigation? The attack happened around 23:20hrs. Customers at the venue tried to help stop the attack, we need to speak with these people and I urge them to contact us.

"We are releasing Mussie's name and two photos of him - one showing him on the day of the attack - in the hope that it triggers someone's memory and prompts them to come forward."

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, messages @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 giving the reference 8020/26AUG.

Information can also be provided online, by visiting this dedicated appeal page.