Man charged with murder of chef near carnival

Mussie Imnetu was found unconscious on the evening of 26 August

A man has been charged with the murder of Mussie Imnetu, a chef who died after being attacked near Notting Hill Carnival.

Mr Imnetu, who had been visiting the UK from Dubai where he lived and worked, was found with a head injury in Queensway on Monday 26 August and taken to a west London hospital, where he died days later.

Omar Wilson, 31, of Leytonstone, who was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, has now been charged with murder, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 August and was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 27 September.

Sixteen photos of potential witnesses have been released by the Met Police

Meanwhile, detectives have issued images of 16 witnesses they are keen to speak to.

Det Ch Insp Brian Howie said: “Our investigation has progressed at pace and a man has been charged in connection with the attack.

“We have images of a number of people who were in or near the Dr Power restaurant at the time of the attack.

“I would like to stress that none of those pictured have done anything wrong.

"Perhaps they were enjoying post-carnival celebrations and may not live in the area but they could hold information that is important to the investigation and I urge them to contact us.”

'Known for his passion'

Mr Imnetu was head chef at the Arts Club Dubai and had worked under Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, according to its website.

It said Mr Imnetu was a well-travelled chef, who hailed from Eritrea and grew up in Sweden before taking positions in London and New York.

In a tribute in the days after his death, the Arts Club said he was “known for his passion, calm demeanour and kindness”.

A spokeswoman said: “He was a keen footballer and famously counted on his now eight-year-old son to taste-test his culinary masterpieces."