Asake concert in Brixton shut down after 3000 fans storm the doors injuring 8

Eight people were injured, including four who are in a critical condition, after a large crowd tried to force entry into a concert in O2 Academy Brixton in London.

The Metropolitan police have launched an investigation into what they said was an “extremely distressing” incident at a performance of the Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake.

Police were called to the venue in south London at about 9.35pm on Thursday after reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry. They found a number of people with “injuries believed to have been caused by crushing”.

Of the eight people taken to hospital, four remain in a critical condition.

Video from outside the venue showed hundreds of people pushing to get in.

The concert was cancelled 10 minutes after Asake appeared on stage.

Video on TikTok showed him going on stage to say: “They said outside is fucked up already. So we have to end the show. I don’t know why. It’s not me.”

Another man then came on to the stage to explain. “We have stopped the show, because they breached the door. You have got 3,000 people have broken the door outside and because of security, police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you. This is nothing to do with us,” he said.

The disappointed crowd was told to leave the building immediately.

While no arrests have taken place, detectives from specialist crime have launched an urgent investigation and cordons remain in place at the O2 Academy.

The Met police gold commander, Ade Adelekan, described the incident as “extremely distressing” and urged any witnesses who were yet to speak with police to get in contact.

Adelekan added: “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.

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,” said police.

“In relation to a clip being widely shared, I can confirm that no police dogs were deployed to the location.”

Prayers

Nigerian singer Asake has issued a statement after there was a suspected crush outside his show in south London.

“My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort,” wrote the singer on his Instagram page on Friday (16 December). “I pray you get well soonest.”

He continued: “I am also in the process of reaching out to individuals. I still do not have the full brief from the venue management themselves as to what led to the disruption at the entrance of The Brixton Academy, but we are thankful that all was peaceful at the end.”

“For my people who enjoyed the beginning of my performance, I am sorry that it was cut short,” he said.

“Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I’m looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!” added the singer.

London Police has launched an urgent investigation into what happened after receiving reports of a large number of people attempting to force entry.

 

 

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