Brixton crush venue to remain closed for three months

The Brixton O2 Academy is to remain closed for a further three months following a crush at the venue in December which left two people dead.

The decision was made by Lambeth’s licensing subcommittee following a request from the Metropolitan Police, which is investigating the incident.

The crush happened during a gig by the Afrobeats singer Asake on 15 December.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, died in hospital following the crush in the foyer of the building.

Preempting the licensing decision, on Saturday the Academy Music Group, which runs the venue, announced that the venue would remain closed while investigations continue.

A spokesperson for Academy Music Group said: “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.”