A top chef who worked under the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing is fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked near Notting Hill Carnival.
Police patrolling the notorious carnival became aware of a man lying unconscious on the busy shopping street Queensway with a head injury at 11.22pm on Monday.
In an unprecedented move by the Met Police, the 41-year-old man has been named as Mussie Imnetu – a Michelin star chef who hails from Eritrea but grew up in Sweden before taking up prestigious kitchen roles in New York, Dubai and London.
The Michelin star chef is ‘critically ill’ and fighting for his life in hospital.
In the early hours of Wednesday, a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody at a south London police station.
Top chef Mussie Imnetu (pictured) was found unconscious on Queensway on Monday evening
Mr Imnetu was visiting the UK from Dubai where he lives and works as a top chef at The Arts Club. He designed a seasonal menu for the luxury restaurant ‘inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean and beyond.’
As part of a business trip to the UK, Mr Imnetu went to The Arts Club branch on Dover Street in West London on Monday afternoon.
He was wearing a blue t-shirt and black jeans. He later bought a white baseball cap.
At around 10.30pm on Monday evening, Mr Imnetu went to the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway where food was being served from stalls outside and loud music was playing.
The venue and surrounding area was teeming with carnival-goers – some of whom helped to stop the attack, according to the force.
Although a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, the Met Police are urging people who may know about the chef’s movements between leaving The Arts Club and arriving at the Dr Power restaurant to get in contact.
Anyone who spoke to Mr Imnetu at the restaurant in Queensway before the attack should also reach out to police.
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.’
Police released a second photo of Mr Imnetu on the day of the attack wearing a blue t-shirt and black jeans. He later bought a white baseball cap
The police spokesman continued: ‘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.’
Police are asking for anyone with information to call them on 101, message @MetCC on X or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 giving the reference 8020/26AUG.