Lambeth Police has confirmed that many people were seriously injured and some have been hospitalised after a large crowd tried to get into a concert in London last night without tickets to watch Nigerian singer Asake perform.
Police were called to the Brixton O2 Academy at 9.35 pm on Thursday following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the concert without tickets.
When officers arrived outside the scene where Asake was billed to perform, they found a number of people with ‘injuries believed to have been caused by crushing’.
It was also gathered that fans were filmed clashing with police outside Brixton’s O2 Academy – with one being thrown down stairs and another placed in a headlock after striking an officer in the face.
In a footage shared online, dozens of people could be seen barging their way into the narrow entry doors as 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.
The police in a statement shared on Twitter said that four people are in critical condition while others sustained injures.
The statement read: “Emergency services attended the 02 Academy in #Brixton following reports that a number of people had been injured after a large crowd attempted to gain entry without tickets. 4 people are in a critical condition at hospital. Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance.”
Met Police gold commander Ade Adelekan described the incident as “extremely distressing” and urged any witnesses who are yet to speak with police to get in contact.
Mr 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.”
