Renewed appeal from the Met for witnesses and footage of the Brixton Academy fatal crush incident

Police investigating the crushing incident at the O2 Brixton Academy continue to appeal for witnesses to get in touch and share what they saw.

The Met is also keen to see any photos or video footage of the events on Thursday, December 15.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer-songwriter Asake had been scheduled to perform that evening, in the last of three shows in London that week.

A number of people sustained serious injuries and were treated at the scene by staff, police officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics.

Two of those who were most seriously injured, 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo and 23-year-old Gaby Hutchinson, died in hospital in the days that followed. 

A 21-year-old woman remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Detective Superintendent Dave Kennett, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The effects of this incident were tragic. 

“The surge in the crowd resulted in two deaths and critical injuries to a third person.

“It is important that we know why the surge happened, for the families of those who never returned home, and for the safety of those who attend music events in the future.

“We know there were thousands of people there and that many will have seen what happened. 

“If you were there please don’t ignore this plea – imagine the families who are struggling to come to terms with their loss and do the right thing, share what you saw with my team who are waiting to hear from you.”

You can get in touch with police by typing Operation Wickmar on your internet search engine.

Follow the Major Incident Public Portal page to Operation Wickmar and click on it. 

You will be able to upload video content to this portal to assist the investigation.

Alternatively, the link to the Major Incident Public Portal can be found here:

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS22U62-PO1

To speak to the Operation Wickmar investigation team direct call 0207 321 9425.

To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Pictured top: Brixton Academy the morning after the fatal incident (Picture: PA)