Crush at Brixton Academy gig leaves four in critical condition 

Eight people are in hospital, four in critical condition following a suspected crowd crush during a concert at the Brixton O2 Academy in south London. 

Police were called to the gig of afro-pop singer Asake at around 21:35 GMT on Thursday. They were responding to reports of a large number of people trying to force their way into the venue. 

The gig had to be abandoned part-way through and was the third of three sold-out shows at the Academy. 

Footage being circulated online shows a large crowd building up outside the venue. There have been claims that more than 1,000 people had turned up without tickets. The crowd can be seen from the road outside to the venue doors and people are heard screaming, shouting and struggling. 

Before the start of the gig, the singer had posted on Twitter asking fans without tickets not to turn up at the venue. 

The o2 Academy Brixton is opposite Brixton police station which explains the quick response by the police. 

The venue has a capacity of up to almost 5,000 people. 

The Met Police said the scene will be examined by specialist officers as part of an investigation said Cdr Ade Adelekan. 

He added: “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.”

An investigation has been launched and cordons are in place at the venue. There have been no arrests.

Asake Brixton Academy 

Asake has been described on the Brixton Academy website as “one of the hottest breakout stars from Nigeria”. He is currently touring his debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe. 

Asake – real name Ahmed Ololade, was born and raised in Lagos State. He had a break-out hit in 2020 with the single Lady. 

He was nominated for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023 award.