Brixton Academy Asake concert crush: ‘What happened at Brixton Academy?’

Two people died following a crush at a London music venue three months ago, and one woman remains in a critical condition. Police have made a fresh appeal for information to try to work out how the tragedy happened.

The singer Asake had been scheduled to perform at O2 Brixton Academy on December 15 in the last of three London shows.

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 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.

Met Police appeal

The Met Police has renewed its appeal for anyone with pictures or footage to come forward.

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. If you have anything to share please do get in touch.”

Video footage and pictures

Det Supt Kennett said: “If you were there when this tragic incident happened, if you have footage or pictures of the evening, please come forward and speak to my team.

“We need your help to establish what happened so that we can provide answers to the families and loved ones of those who were so seriously, or fatally injured.”

"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 her from you.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has come forward so far, but we still need more perspectives of the events that took place in the crowd that night.”

Review of CCTV

He said the force is carrying out a “comprehensive analysis of any available CCTV footage in and around the scene”, but added: “If you have footage filmed that night we’d very much like to see it.

“Footage shared on social media immediately after the incident showed dozens of people recording what was happening - we know that there is a vast amount of material on people's phones, sharing that material with us would take just minutes of your time.

“Two people have died and a third is still very seriously injured and we owe it to them, their families and anyone else affected by this incident to leave no stone unturned.”

How to contact the Met Police

You can get in touch with police by typing Operation Wickmar at its dedicated website.

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

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

Who is Asake?

Ahmed Ololade is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter, born in the Lagos area of the West African country.

He is known professionally as Asake, which is a tribute to his mother.

His career progressed in 2020 when he released the singles Mr Money and Lady, and in February 2022, he signed to YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop) Records, which is run by Olamide.

Later that month, he released his debut EP Ololade, including the track Sungba, which was later remixed with a verse from Burna Boy.

His debut album, Mr Money With The Vibe, was released on September 8.

Following the tragedy Asake said he would pray for the victims.