Four people were left fighting for their lives after a concert descended into chaos last night, as fans tried to force their way into the venue without tickets resulting in a suspected crush.
Police were called to the Brixton O2 Academy at 9.35pm on Thursday following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry to a concert without tickets.
When officers arrived outside the scene, where Afrobeats singer Asake was due to play, they found a number of people with ‘injuries believed to have been caused by crushing’.
No arrests have taken place, detectives from Specialist Crime have launched an urgent investigation and cordons remain in place at the O2 Academy.
Emergency services attended the Brixton O2 Academy last night to reports a number of people had been injured
Metropolitan Police officers at the scene in Brixton, south London
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.
At least four have been left in a critical condition after suffering ‘crushing injuries’, following what appeared to be a stampede by non-ticket holders to enter Nigerian singer Asake’s show, which was cancelled.
In 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.
Police officers outside the Brixton O2 Academy last night
Police were called to reports of a large crowd attempting to force entry into a concert without tickets
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.
‘In relation to a clip being widely shared, I can confirm that no police dogs were deployed to the location.’
DID YOU WITNESS THE CHAOTIC SCENES OUTSIDE ASAKE’S GIG? Email [email protected]
Moment a music fan is thrown down stairs by police outside the O2 Academy in Brixton on Thursday night
Moment a woman strikes a police officer in the face outside the O2 Academy in Brixton on Thursday night
The person who tweeted the video claimed: ‘So the police have locked off Asake and have left a bunch of people in an alley in the freezing cold.’
Elsewhere, one woman is seen hitting a Metropolitan Police officer in the face, before said cop puts her in a headlock.
She is quickly swarmed by four other officers as she is taken to the ground. It is not yet clear if she was arrested.
Another shocking video shows a woman arguing with an officer at the top of a concrete set of stairs at the front of the venue, before she is thrown down them by the policeman.
MailOnline has contacted the Met and the O2 Academy for comment.
The London Ambulance Service told MailOnline that six people were treated at the scene while four were rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
Nigerian star Asake’s (pictured) concert descended into chaos last night after fans were filmed clashing with police outside Brixton’s O2 Academy
Police engage with music fans outside the O2 Academy in Brixton following chaotic scenes on Thursday
A woman is tackled to the ground after seemingly hitting a police officer in the face outside Asake’s concert in Brixton on Thursday night
Asake had earlier posted on his Instagram story that the event was sold out (pictured)
It said it was called to the area at around 10.41pm.
Social media users accused fans of attempting to enter the concert despite not having a ticket.
It came hours after Asake posted on his Instagram story that the event was sold out.
Lambeth Police said: ‘Emergency services attended the O2 Academy in Brixton following reports that a number of people had been injured after a large crowd attempted to enter without tickets.
‘Four people are in a critical condition at hospital. Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance.’
