A man who jumped into a canal while fleeing Notting Hill Carnival officers are mentioned for the first time as police investigate his cause of death.
Karnell Kelly, aged 25, died in hospital after entering the Grand Union Canal at Kensal Road, west Londonwhile being chased by police officers on Monday afternoon.
Officers had spoken briefly to Mr Kelly, who was wearing a face covering, as he approached the carnival site at around 3.30pm.
He fled from officers on foot and was chased along Hormead Road before entering the canal near Meanwhile Gardens, police said.
Police and the public removed Mr Kelly from the canal. He was given CPR before being rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4.43pm.
The IOPC has launched an investigation into Kelly’s death and will review body-worn footage of officers giving chase.
They are also appealing for information from witnesses or video footage from the public or from nearby properties, boats and barges.
Divers from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit searched the canal on Wednesday when it emerged that both Mr Kelly and an attending officer were injured while in the water.
A man who jumped into a canal while fleeing officers at Notting Hill Carnival has been named as a proven cause of death for the first time (police are seen attending a fight)
Police officers arrested a man in Ladbroke Grove during Notting Hill Carnival on Monday
The IOPC said it had met Mr Kelly’s family to explain their role and will keep them regularly informed throughout the investigation, which is still in its early stages.
Investigators have so far spoken to 10 officers who are being treated as witnesses to Kelly’s death, the watchdog said Friday.
A statement said: ‘We are also seeking witnesses and/or video footage of any part of this incident from members of the public at the event, or from nearby properties, boats and vessels.
‘We urge people not to speculate about the incident or share videos online.
‘We have carried out a CCTV search of the area and handed out leaflets to surrounding properties asking for information.’
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Karnell Kelly and everyone affected by his death.
“We must independently determine the exact circumstances of this incident as he died following an interaction with police officers.
‘We are therefore appealing to anyone who witnessed and/or filmed any part of the incident to contact our investigators by email.’
Police officers arrest people after a fight broke out in Ladbroke Grove on Monday evening
Notting Hill Carnival attracts millions of people every year for two days of partying
Met Police Commander Claire Smart previously described the incident as ‘tragic’.
She said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who lost his life.
‘Any death following contact with police is reported to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so that the circumstances can be fully investigated. I would encourage everyone to avoid speculation while this work takes place.
“I recognize the efforts of the officers and members of the public who entered the canal to rescue this man. I know they will be devastated that his life ultimately could not be saved.”
Notting Hill Carnival attracts millions of people every year for two days of partying, with revelers climbing on top of bus stops and dancing spiritedly.
On Sunday’s ‘family day’, carnival police arrested 243 people and yesterday the force made a further 315 arrests, bringing the total number of arrests to 560 on Monday evening, the force said.
It is likely that number will rise as further arrests are processed, police said.
Monday is considered the ‘adults day’ of Europe’s biggest street party, with loud sound systems, bigger crowds, widespread drinking and racier dancing.
Police said it had arrested 97 people during the ‘approach’ to Carnival, with the rest arrested during the event itself.
The crimes ranged from possession of drugs and weapons to assault, including assault on emergency workers and sexual offences.
The Met added that there were two knife attacks during the event – one involving a stabbing and one involving a cut – neither of which resulted in life-threatening injuries.
On Monday, 48 of the arrests were made following identification using live facial recognition.
Using the technology, officers were able to stop 43 registered sex offenders to check whether they met license conditions. Three were arrested for breaching their terms, in addition to three arrested on Sunday for trespassing.
Of the people arrested on Sunday, 61 were identified through facial recognition after police deployed the technology as part of an intensive police operation at the festival.
