A WOMAN has died and two others remain in critical condition after a crush at the O2 Academy in Brixton.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, was rushed to hospital after a large number of people had reportedly attempted to force entry to the venue for singer Asake's show.
Met Police have revealed she died this morning – while two other women aged 21 and 23 remain in hospital.
Speaking at the scene yesterday, Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, policing commander for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected. Having seen some of the really upsetting images on social media our thoughts are with them.
“An urgent investigation is currently under way led by detectives from our Specialist Crime Command and cordons remain in place as officers continue to work at the scene. This is still a fast moving and evolving picture and we are working to establish the events that led up to the incident.
"We are also aware of a vast amount of footage on social media and of course this will be examined as part of the investigation along with footage from officers’ body worn video cameras.
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"We are working incredibly closely with our partners and community members and would like to thank them for their support so far in the investigation. We would also like to thank people for coming forward with information.
“We have set up an online page for the submission of photos and videos. There were around 4,000 potential witnesses present at the time of this incident and we want to urge any members of the public with information to come forward. We need your information as we try to establish what happened as quickly as we can."
The gig was called off part-way through, which angered many and sparked chaos as revellers demanded to know why.
Delivering a message to fans inside the venue with a microphone, one man said: "3,000 people have broken the doors outside."
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He added: "Because of security the police have asked us to close the show… this is nothing to do with us."
Members of the crowd can then be heard booing, and another man takes the microphone and says: "Please people, hold up one second.
"For your own safety listen please, please, please. There's people who have breached the door, they have broken in."
It came after Nigerian star Asake, 27, known for his hit Sungba, posted on his Instagram that there were no more tickets available.
Asake issued a statement on Instagram the next morning.
He wrote: "My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest.
"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. Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!"
Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 ref 6725/15Dec.
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