Night of mayhem at Brixton Academy leaves four in critical condition

Four people are in a critical condition after a night of chaos at the O2 Academy in Brixton, which saw eight people taken to hospital. 

Police were called at 9,35pm last night to the famous Stockwell Road music venue, following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the venue. 

Officers, London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London Fire Brigade attended, and found a number of people with injuries, believed to have been caused by crushing. 

As well as the eight in need of urgent attention, LAS treated two other less seriously injured people at the scene. 

One theory for the crush is that many without tickets were attempting to gain entry to the sold-out gig for Nigerian offbeats singer Asake. The concert was cancelled. 

An urgent investigation is under way, led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime department. Cordons remain in place as officers continue work at the scene. Nobody has been arrested. 

In footage shared online, dozens of people are seen barging their way into the narrow entry doors, and one reveller is heard saying: “This is so dangerous.”

In another clip, hundreds of people are seen packed like sardines in an alleyway adjacent to the venue.  

A video shared on TikTok captured the moment Asake told his fans that “3,000 people have broken the door outside”. 

In it, he said: “Because of security police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you, this is nothing to do with us or the promoter. This is basically… listen to what I am saying.”

He then passes the mic over and fans are told to “leave the same way you came in” and promised that they will be given a refund on their purchased ticket. 

Residents familiar with concert nights reported seeing a build-up of people far greater than is normal for gigs at the popular venue, which normally hosts two or three events a week.

Met Commander Ade Adelekan said: “This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. 

“A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night.  

“The scene will be examined by specialist officers, CCTV will be viewed, every witness that we can make contact with will be spoken to and all other lines of enquiry will be followed. 

“Officers are remaining in the area to provide reassurance to the local community in and around Brixton. If you have any information or concerns, please speak with them.” 

Several video clips of the crowd crush outside the venue and confrontation with police are circulating on social media. 

Commander Adelekan said: “I am aware of video being shared on social media. I would ask people to be sensible about what they share, and not to post material that will be upsetting to those affected by this incident.  

“Where force has been used by police officers, those officers know they have to be accountable for their actions. The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will view all material, including Body Worn Video footage from the officers at the scene.” 

A Lambeth Police spokesman said: “Emergency services attended the O2 Academy in Brixton following reports that a number of people had been injured after a large crowd attempted to enter without tickets.  

“Four people are in a critical condition in hospital. Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance.” 

Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 ref 6725/15Dec. If you have mobile phone footage that may assist police, please make contact via @MetCC on Twitter.  

Pictured top: The O2 Academy this morning (Picture: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire/PA Images)