Karnell Kelly dies after police chase into Grand Union Canal at Notting Hill Carnival
The 25‑year‑old Bermondsey man jumped into the canal off Kensal Road on 31 August 2026 while officers tried to stop him near Harrow Road; the IOPC is reviewing body‑worn video and has asked the public for information.
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The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers tried to halt Karnell Kelly, a 25‑year‑old man from Bermondsey, near Harrow Road as he approached the Notting Hill Carnival wearing a face covering. He fled on foot, reached Kensal Road and jumped into the Grand Union Canal at about 15:20 on 31 August 2026. Members of the public entered the water, performed CPR and escorted him to a central London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 16:43.
Background to the chase
Man dies near Notting Hill Carnival after police pursuit
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 20s died after entering a canal on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred during the carnival’s 60th anniversary celebrations, which attracted hundreds of thousands of revellers. The force reported a total of 636 arrests over the weekend, split between 242 on Sunday and 394 on Monday. The police statement linked the chase to a suspect wearing a face covering, a detail that matched reports of Kelly’s appearance at the time.
IOPC investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it is reviewing body‑worn video from the officers who pursued Kelly down Hormead Road. 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.” The IOPC also appealed for any witness statements, private video footage or recordings from nearby boats and barges.
Notting Hill Carnival policing costs rise to £15.7m
Metropolitan Police deployed over 7,000 officers and banned hundreds from the event.
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.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement
What residents can do
The IOPC has asked anyone with information to email HormeadRoad@policeconduct.gov.uk. Residents who captured video of the chase or who saw the incident from nearby properties are encouraged to forward their material. The Metropolitan Police also reminded the public not to speculate about the cause of death while the investigation proceeds.
The next formal step is the IOPC’s assessment of the video and any submitted evidence. Once the review is complete, the watchdog will decide whether a formal investigation into officer conduct is required. Findings will be published in accordance with the IOPC’s transparency policy.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to Karnell Kelly during the Notting Hill Carnival?
Karnell Kelly, a 25‑year‑old from Bermondsey, was pursued by Metropolitan Police near Harrow Road on 31 August 2026. He fled on foot, jumped into the Grand Union Canal off Kensal Road at about 15:20, received CPR from bystanders and died in hospital at 16:43.
+How is the police conduct being examined?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing body‑worn video from the officers involved in the chase down Hormead Road. The IOPC has also asked the public for any additional footage or witness statements to aid its assessment.
+How many arrests were made during the carnival?
Police recorded a total of 636 arrests over the two‑day Notting Hill Carnival. The breakdown was 242 arrests on Sunday and 394 arrests on Monday, according to the Metropolitan Police.
+How can members of the public help the investigation?
Anyone with information, video recordings, or observations of the incident can contact the IOPC at HormeadRoad@policeconduct.gov.uk. The watchdog urges prompt submission to support a thorough and independent review of the circumstances.
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