Police are still hunting for 12 people who they would like to identify as the O2 Academy Brixton is set reopen after a fatal crush which killed two people.
Security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, were killed when fans without tickets tried to force their way into a show by Nigerian artist Asake on December 15, 2022.
The O2 Academy Brixton will reopen from April 19, 2024 - 16 months after the deadly crush at the venue.
The families of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson met at New Scotland Yard on December 13, 2023, to support police appeal for information and the Metropolitan Police released images of people they would like to speak to.
On March 4 as the O2 Brixton Academy announced its reopening date, police confirmed that the appeal is still ongoing.
Anyone with footage or information that can assist the investigation can upload it to the Metropolitan Police on their website.
The south London venue faced permanent closure after the Metropolitan Police urged the council to remove its licence but following a two-day hearing in September 2023, Lambeth Council’s licensing sub-committee voted to allow the venue to continue operating – so long as it meets “77 extensive and robust new conditions”.
It has now been confirmed the first shows at the venue will feature tribute acts, rather than famous bands.
A statement from O2 Academy Brixton on X said: “O2 Academy Brixton will reopen on Friday 19 April with Nirvana UK (tribute to Nirvana) and The Smyths (tribute to The Smiths), followed by Friday 26 April with Definitely Mightbe (tribute to Oasis) and UK Foo Fighters (tribute to Foo Fighters).”
Rebecca’s father Anthony Ikumelo, said: “Rebecca was a caring loving person who cared for everyone in the community.
“This tragedy has left a large hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.
“We urge anyone who has information about what happened that night to come forward so that those responsible can be identified.”
Gaby’s sister Kelsey Hutchinson, said: “Our lives will never be what they used to be, we have gaps and it’s trying to find a new normal.
“Because we don't have the answers, we're still waiting for investigations to be completed, we're still in a situation where we don't know why. I think if we could get to that point, that might help us.
“No one should ever go to work and not come home.”
DCI Penney said: “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening, how Rebecca and Gaby came to lose their lives and why a young woman remains in hospital in a very serious condition a year later.
“I am grateful to those who have already helped by either speaking to police, sharing footage or providing us with valuable advice in terms of our investigation and the impact of this tragic event on people in Lambeth and beyond.
“We owe it to the families who have been left heartbroken and with many unanswered questions to establish the truth about what happened to their loved ones, and continue to follow the evidence where it takes us - without fear or favour.
“There were thousands of people at the venue that evening, and today I am releasing images of people I would like to speak to as I believe they have vital information. I urge them to get in touch as soon as possible.
“I would again ask that if you were at the Asake concert at the 02 Academy Brixton on 15 December 2022, and you were filming – we know from CCTV that many people were – please come forward and share that footage with the investigation, please help the heartbroken families get the answers they need.”
The company which owns the Brixton Academy, Academy Music Group (AMG), said it had developed new safety measures in an effort to have its licence restored, including stronger doors, a better queuing system and more secure ticketing.
AMG said changes to its operating policies had been developed by “leading professionals” to prevent a repeat of last year’s events.
The venue has spent £1.2 million on maintenance and improvements in 2023, despite being closed, a hearing was told.
Following the ruling, Brixton Academy said it was “immensely grateful” to Lambeth Council and looked forward to welcoming fans back.
The Metropolitan Police also said at the time that officers will work with Academy Music Group and Lambeth Council to ensure the public can enjoy events at O2 Brixton Academy again.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel