Photos of witnesses sought issued following murder of Mussie Imnetu

Detectives investigating the murder of a man attacked in the vicinity of Notting Hill Carnival have issued images of 16 witnesses they are keen to speak to. Police believe they may have information about the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have images of a number of people who were in or near the Dr Power restaurant at the time of the attack. Are you one of the people pictured or do you recognise anyone? Did you hear or see something either before or after the attack that may help with the investigation?

“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.”

41-year-old Mussie Imnetu, who was visiting the UK from Dubai where he lived and worked, was found unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, W2 at 23:22hrs on Monday, 26 August.

Officers provided emergency first aid until paramedics arrived. Mussie was taken to a West London hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died on Friday, 30 August.

On Thursday 29 August, 31-year-old Omar Wilson of Napier Road, Leytonstone was charged with causing Grievous Bodily Harm with intent. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 30 August, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 27 September.

In light of Mussie’s death, the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said: “Mussie’s family, friends and colleagues in London, Dubai, Sweden and Eritrea are inconsolable after receiving the worst news imaginable – our thoughts are with them and they are being supported by specialist officers.

“Our investigation is well advanced, but we are still very keen to hear from anyone who can help piece together Mussie’s movements between 13:00hrs when we know he left The Arts Club in Dover Street, W1 and when he arrived at Dr Power restaurant, in Queensway 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.”

Officers will be outside the restaurant and in the surrounding area from 2100hrs on Monday, 2 September, to hand out appeal leaflets and speak with local people one week after the murder.

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, message @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.