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Brixton O2 Academy to stay shut until police finish investigation after Gravesend security guard killed in crush

15:05, 14 January 2023

updated: 09:13, 16 January 2023

A music venue where a security guard from Kent was killed after a crush will remain closed for three months while police investigate the incident.

Two people died following a crush outside the Brixton O2 Academy as people flocked to see Afrobeats singer Asake on December 15.

Gabrielle Hutchinson was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event at Brixton Academy. Photo: Metropolitan Police (61848530)
Gabrielle Hutchinson was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event at Brixton Academy. Photo: Metropolitan Police (61848530)

One of those was Gaby Hutchinson, 23, from Gravesend, who was working as a security guard at the south London venue when people stormed the site.

Gaby died four days later in hospital, while Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, was also fatally injured.

The venue has remained closed since the incident and owner Academy Music Group (AMG) has revealed it will stay shut until the police investigation is finished which is expected to take three months, according to reports.

The venue’s licence was suspended pending a meeting of Lambeth council’s licensing subcommittee, with the Metropolitan Police said it planned to use the meeting to seek a further suspension of the licence.

A spokesman said: “This is to allow time to work with the venue to facilitate a safe reopening and to ensure appropriate safeguards, aimed at improving public safety, are in place."

The Brixton O2 Academy in London will remain closed while police carry out their investigation. Picture: PA
The Brixton O2 Academy in London will remain closed while police carry out their investigation. Picture: PA

In a statement, AMG added: “O2 Academy Brixton recognises the gravity of the events which occurred on the night of 15 December 2022 and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who died during the tragic incident and its genuine concerns for anyone affected by it.

“The licence holder, Academy Music Group (AMG), is committed to understanding what happened and cooperating with the various investigations that are under way, including providing full cooperation to the police in the conduct of their inquiries.”

Previously Gaby's family said losing the security guard was a "pain can't compare".

They said: "Gaby has brought so much love, laughter and inappropriate jokes into our lives and will forever be our baby, our daughter, our sister, our man and our joy.

"Getting 23 years of Gaby's life was a blessing and one we will never forget. Gaby will forever live on in our hearts.

"No-one should go to work and not come home."

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