At least four persons have been hospitalised following a crush during Asake’s concert in Brixton, OduNews reports.
Police were called on Thursday, during the show by afro-pop singer Asake. Four other people were taken to the hospital and the event was abandoned part-way through.
Social media footage shows a large crowd building up outside the venue.
One witness estimated that more than 1,000 people had turned up to the gig without tickets.
It was the third of three sold-out shows at the Academy by the Nigerian singer, Asake. Before the gig, Asake had posted on Twitter asking fans not to try to gain entry unless they had tickets.
In a statement on the artist’s Instagram account, Asake said: “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 in the end.”
The O2 Academy Brixton has a standing capacity of nearly 5,000 people, according to its website.
The venue is opposite Brixton police station, partly explaining the swift response on Thursday night. There are plenty of officers at the scene and you can see broken glass on the floor by the door to the venue.
Underneath a “sold out” sign, the metal railings scattered across the pavement bear testament to what were chaotic scenes.
Cdr Ade Adelekan from the Metropolitan Police said the scene would be examined by specialist officers as part of an investigation which will be “as thorough and as forensic as necessary”.
He 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.”
The Met Police’s directorate of professional standards will view all material, including body-worn video footage from the officers at the scene, Scotland Yard said.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted to say he was “heartbroken”.
Mr Khan added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident at Brixton Academy.”
