The police investigation into the incident at the 02 Brixton Academy on Thursday, 15 December, continues. Detectives investigating the crushing incident at the O2 Brixton Academy continue to appeal for anyone with information, photos or video footage to come forward.
Sadly, Rebecca Ikumelo who was critically injured, died at hospital on the morning of Saturday, 17 December. Rebecca, 33, until her death, lived in Newham. Specialist officers are continuing to provide support to her family. A post-mortem examination was held on Sunday, 18 December, at Greenwich Public Mortuary. Two other women – aged 21 and 23 – remain in a critical condition.
In a statement, Rebecca’s family said: “Rebecca was a graduate of nursing. She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids.
“She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning ‘Lord is Worthy’.”
Speaking at the scene, Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, policing commander for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected. Having seen some of the really upsetting images on social media our thoughts are with them.
“An urgent investigation is currently under way led by detectives from our Specialist Crime Command and cordons remain in place as officers continue to work at the scene. This is still a fast moving and evolving picture and we are working to establish the events that led up to the incident.
“We are also aware of a vast amount of footage on social media and of course this will be examined as part of the investigation along with footage from officers’ body worn video cameras.
“We are working incredibly closely with our partners and community members and would like to thank them for their support so far in the investigation. We would also like to thank people for coming forward with information.
“We have set up an online page for the submission of photos and videos. There were around 4,000 potential witnesses present at the time of this incident and we want to urge any members of the public with information to come forward. We need your information as we try to establish what happened as quickly as we can.”
Ch Supt Wingrove added on 17 December: “From the outset, the police investigation into the incident at the Brixton Academy has been painstaking and forensic in its nature, and I can assure Rebecca’s family and friends that this work will continue for as long as necessary.
“We are determined, along with our partners, to do everything we can to establish exactly what happened on Thursday night.
“My thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Rebecca’s family and all of those affected.”
Meanwhile, two people have died and a third remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident that took place on the evening of Thursday, 15 December.
Officers were first called to the venue at 21:04hrs following reports that a large crowd had gathered outside, the first crew arrived on scene soon after.
A further call was made at 21:35hrs reporting that people were attempting to force entry into the venue.
A number of people sustained serious injuries and were treated at the scene by staff, officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics.
Two of those who were most seriously injured, 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo and 23-year-old Gaby Hutchinson, died at hospital in the days that followed. A 21-year-old woman remains in a critical condition.
Detective Superintendent Dave Kennett, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “A team of detectives with expertise in complex investigations is working to establish exactly what happened before and during this incident.
“We know there were thousands of people in and around the venue. Many of them will have seen what happened and some may have been caught up in the crush themselves.
“What they have to tell us is really important and we are urging them to come forward.
“As part of the investigation we are carrying out a comprehensive analysis of any available CCTV footage. However we are also very keen to obtain and view any other footage filmed on the night.
“We know from some videos shared on social media immediately after the incident that there were many people caught up in the crowds outside, in the entrances and in the atrium of the venue. Some of those people had their phones out and were likely filming or taking photos.
“That footage or those images could include detail that will help us to better piece together exactly what took place and why. 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 do leave no stone unturned.”
Kindly follow us on twitter:@AfricanVoice2
