A woman has died after being injured in a crush at an event at the Brixton O2 Academy, in London, that left several others hurt. The concert, by Afro-pop singer Asake, had to be abandoned part-way through, with a large number of fans still outside and waiting to get in.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, from Newham, east London, died in hospital on Saturday morning, the Met said. Two other women remain in a critical condition, police added.
Asake said that he was overwhelmed with grief and devastated by her death. He said: “I spoke with Ms Ikumelo's family, and I want people to keep them in our prayers”.
Academy Music Group, which owns and runs the venue, said in a statement: "All at O2 Academy Brixton and Academy Music Group are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Rebecca Ikumelo. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rebecca's family and friends, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating news at this extremely difficult time."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also wrote in a tweet he was "heartbroken" by the death. He said that it was vital that the investigation into what happened concludes as soon as possible, adding that City Hall was working with authorities "to ensure nothing like this happens again".
Videos on social media showed the crowd stretching from the road outside to the venue's doors. Speaking at the scene on Friday, Ch Supt Colin Wingrove 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," he added. The force said more than 4,000 people were in attendance at the gig and it has set up a website for people to submit relevant photos and videos.
In a statement outside Brixton police station on Friday, Mr Wingrove said: “Officers were called by staff at the venue following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry. Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save life."
Florence Eshalomi, Labour MP for Vauxhall whose constituency includes Brixton, tweeted: "I visited the site this morning and I've been dreading this news ever since the incident and hoping it would never ever come.
"My thoughts and prayers to Rebecca Ikumelo's family and friends. Such a tragic loss of a young 33yr with so much life ahead of her."
The concert was the final performance of three sold-out shows at the venue by Nigerian singer Asake, sometimes known as Mr Money. Before the gig, he had posted on Twitter asking fans not to try to gain entry unless they had tickets.
In a statement published on Twitter, Asake said: "I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening.
"My team and I are still awaiting the full debrief back from the venue management and the police to determine what exactly led to all the disruption caused and ultimately to Rebecca's passing." He urged anyone with information to contact police.
