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O2 Brixton Academy Asake gig crush: Renewed appeal after Gravesend security guard Gaby Hutchinson killed

08:25, 17 March 2023

updated: 12:33, 17 March 2023

Three months on from a fatal crowd crush at the O2 Brixton Academy which killed two people one woman is still fighting for her life.

A security guard from Kent was one of those killed when ticketless fans tried to force their way into a show by Nigerian artist Asake at the venue in south London on December 15.

Gaby Hutchinson was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event. Photo: Met Police
Gaby Hutchinson was working as one of the contracted security providers for the event. Photo: Met Police

Gaby Hutchinson, 23, from Gravesend, was working at the event that evening and was seriously injured during the incident.

Gaby died in hospital four days later and concert-goer Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, was also killed in the crush. A 21-year-old woman remains in hospital in a critical condition.

A number of people also sustained serious injuries and were treated at the scene by staff, police officers and paramedics.

Now, police officers investigating the incident are renewing their appeal for witnesses to get in touch and share what they saw so they can provide answers to the victims' families.

Detective superintendent Dave Kennett, from the Met Police’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.

Detectives investigating the incident have renewed their appeal for information. Picture: PA
Detectives investigating the incident have renewed their appeal for information. Picture: PA

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

Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake had been scheduled to perform that evening in the last of three shows in London that week.

Detective superintendent Dave Kennett, added: "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 do not 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.

The scene outside Brixton O2 Academy in December. Picture: James Manning/PA
The scene outside Brixton O2 Academy in December. Picture: James Manning/PA

"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.

"We are carrying out a comprehensive analysis of any available CCTV footage in and around the scene, but, 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."

The venue has remained closed since the incident, and owner Academy Music Group (AMG) revealed it will stay shut until the police investigation is finished.

Its licence is suspended until 12.01am on April 16, and the decision also includes the condition that any licensable activity cannot take place until steps have been taken to address lessons learned from the crush.

Gaby's partner Phoebie Turley called for justice and for someone to be held accountable for the deaths. Picture: PA/Family handout
Gaby's partner Phoebie Turley called for justice and for someone to be held accountable for the deaths. Picture: PA/Family handout

Following the incident in December, Gaby's partner Phoebie Turley called for justice and said someone needs to be held accountable for the deaths.

The 25-year-old said: "Every action has a reaction and this consequence has come out of people turning up with no tickets or turning up trying to kick through a door.

"For what? What purpose did that serve? Because now you have killed innocent people.

"They did not deserve this. Justice needs to be served and someone needs to be found accountable for what happened. Not just for Gaby, but for Rebecca as well.”

In an earlier statement, AMG said: "O2 Academy Brixton recognises the gravity of the events which occurred on the night of December 15 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.

Two people died following the crushing and another remains in hospital. Picture: James Manning/ PA
Two people died following the crushing and another remains in hospital. Picture: James Manning/ PA

"We are 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."

You can get in touch with Met Police and upload video content to assist in the investigation on its via its Major Incident Public Portal here or to speak to the Operation Wickmar investigation team direct call 0207 321 9425.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.

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