Police investigating the alleged murder of a Michelin star chef near the Notting Hill Carnival have issued new photos of two witnesses they want to come forward.
The new appeal was the latest development in the probe following the death of Mussie Imnetu, 41, who was found unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, west London, on August 26 this year.
He had been attacked close to the annual Notting Hill Carnival and died four days later in hospital.
Charity director Omar Wilson, 31, was charged with murder and is due to stand trial in February at the Old Bailey after appearing before Southwark Crown Court in September.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police‘s Specialist Crime Command, leading the investigation into Mr Imnetu’s murder, are continuing to build a picture of what happened to him.
And now, as part of that work, they have released images of two people they believe could have information about the attack.
Det Chief Insp Brian Howie, in charge of the investigation, said: ‘Mussie Imnetu’s murder has been devastating for his family and friends.
‘A man will stand trial in February, but all the time we continue to investigate the attack.’
The Metropolitan Police today released new photos of potential witnesses they want to come forward as part of a murder investigation following the death of Mussie Imnetu in August
The detective leading the probe said of the two people pictured: ‘I would like to stress that the two men pictured have not done anything wrong’
Mussie Imnetu, 41, was found unconscious with a head injury in Queensway, west London , on August 22 this year and died in hospital four days later
He said officers needed to speak to two men who were near Queensway’s Dr Power restaurant between 11.10pm and 11.30pm on August 26, saying police believe they ‘may hold vital information’.
He added: ‘I would like to stress that the two men pictured have not done anything wrong. If you are one of these men, or if you know one of them, we’d like to hear from you.
‘We’d also still like to hear from anyone else who has information and hasn’t yet spoken to us.
‘Did you happen to speak with the victim or the suspect at the time? Did you hear or see anything before the attack took place? Any information you have could prove vital in our ongoing investigation.’
Swedish national 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.
Mr Imnetu, who hails from Eritrea but grew up in Sweden, was in London on a business trip to see the restaurant’s Dover Street branch in Mayfair.
Detectives previously released a CCTV image of him leaving the Arts Club on Dover Street shortly after 1pm on August 26.
He arrived at Dr Power restaurant in Queensway at about 10.30pm and was still alone at that time.
Mr Imnetu was visiting the UK from Dubai where he lived and worked as a chef at the Arts Club – he is pictured here with former Netherlands and Real Madrid footballer Clarence Seedorf
Mr Imnetu was attacked outside the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway on August 26
Following Mr Imnetu’s death, his employers said in a statement: ‘After joining The Arts Club London in 2011, Mussie was part of the opening of the club’s Dubai location in 2020.
‘Known for his passion, calm demeanour and kindness, Mussie truly embodied the club’s essence.’
Anyone who can identify the people in the new photos or who has other information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, giving the reference 8020/26AUG.
Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.