Man who died after entering canal while fleeing police at Notting Hill Carnival is named as Karnell Kelly

A man who died after entering a canal as he ran away from police at the Notting Hill Carnival has been named as Karnell Kelly.

The 25-year-old man was wearing a face covering when he approached the street festival in west London on Monday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police said officers tried to stop Mr Kelly near Harrow Road before he fled on foot at around 3.20pm.

After entering the Grand Union Canal off Kensal Road, he was taken to a central London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4.43pm.

Police and members of the public had gone into the canal to pull out Mr Kelly and officers gave emergency first aid at the scene.

The police watchdog - the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - said it is investigating police contact with Mr Kelly.

The IOPC said: "At around 3.20pm on Monday afternoon, officers briefly spoke to the man before he ran off."

The watchdog said it was "reviewing body-worn video from officers who then chased him down Hormead Road".

The IOPC is also appealing for information from witnesses or any video footage from members of the public or from nearby properties, boats, and barges.

It added: "We have established that Met officers and members of the public went into the canal to pull out Mr Kelly. Officers gave emergency first aid at the scene.

"He was then taken to hospital where he later died."

The police watchdog has urged the public not to speculate about Mr Kelly's death.

It said in a statement: "We have met with Mr Kelly's family to explain our role and will keep them regularly updated throughout our investigation, which is at an early stage."

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 need to independently establish the exact circumstances of this incident given that he has died following an interaction with police officers."

Read more from Sky News:
Man jailed for helping escaped prisoner
1970s sitcom star dies

The IOPC also said a police officer was injured on Wednesday while Met Police divers were searching the canal for information about the incident.

Police officers arrested more than 600 people during this year's Notting Hill Carnival, the Met said.

The force said there were 242 arrests on Sunday and 394 on Monday, making a total of 636.

Hundreds of thousands of revellers attended the west London event over the bank holiday weekend.

People in costumes and steel bands moved through the streets as the carnival celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Man who died after entering canal while fleeing police at Notting Hill Carnival is n

More from National Headlines

On Air Now Adrian Marks 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Now Playing
Missing You John Waite Download
Recently Played

Weather

Travel News

How To Listen

Download Our Apps

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Podcasts