Three Women Critically Injured in Brixton Academy Crush
Three women remain in critical condition in hospital after a chaotic crush at the O2 Brixton Academy on Thursday night. The victims, aged 21, 23 and 33, were among eight injured when a crowd tried to force entry to the popular venue on 1 Road.
Emergency Response and Police Action
Police were called at 9.04pm and arrived within seven minutes. Officers worked with venue staff to deliver CPR and emergency first aid until paramedics arrived. Eight people suffered crush injuries and were rushed to hospital, with three still battling for their lives tonight.
Urgent Police Investigation Underway
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, leading the investigation, said:
“I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those affected by last night’s incident and those injured. Our thoughts are with them and their families.”
The police continue to investigate the cause, with cordons still in place. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are scouring bodycam footage, CCTV, and a flood of social media videos submitted by an estimated 4,000 witnesses.
Wingrove added:
“London hosts numerous concerts daily, typically without a heavy police presence. We were called last night and are working closely with partners and the community to uncover exactly what happened.”
Controversy and Public Appeal
Police have addressed viral clips online, including footage of an officer pushing a woman down steps and an incident involving a woman assaulting an officer, resulting in her arrest. An investigation by the Directorate of Professional Standards found no police misconduct in the first case.
Claims about a dog inside the venue were also debunked; no police dogs or handlers were present.
A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, a standard procedure following any incident resulting in serious injury when police are involved.
What Happens Next?
Authorities urge anyone with photos, videos, or information to come forward via the specially set-up online portal. With the incident still unfolding, police stress the importance of public cooperation to get to the bottom of this alarming event.
