Brixton O2 Academy crush: Afrobeats singer Asake says he is 'praying' for four fans

Afrobeats singer Asake has said he is 'praying' for four fans who are fighting for their lives after his sold-out concert at the Brixton O2 Academy descended into chaos last night.

Four people were left in a critical condition after suffering 'crushing injuries' following what appeared to be a stampede to enter the gig, which was abandoned half-way through. 

Fans were filmed clashing with police outside the venue after reports that people had tried to enter without tickets. 

This morning the Nigerian singer and songwriter, 27, said his 'heart is with those who were injured last night'.

Asake wrote on Instagram: 'My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest.

'I am also in the process of reaching out to individuals.'  

Footage showed one person being forced down stairs and and another placed in a headlock after striking an officer in the face. 

In another video shared online, dozens of people could be seen trying to make their way into the narrow entry doors as one reveller is heard saying: 'This is so dangerous.' 

Police said they were called to the Brixton O2 Academy on Stockwell Road at 9.35pm and found a number of people with 'injuries believed to have been caused by crushing'.

No arrests have been made and detectives have launched an urgent investigation, with cordons remaining in place at the O2 Academy this morning.  

Asake added that he had still not received a full brief from the venue management as to what led to the disruption at the entrance of the Brixton O2 Academy.

He added: 'We are thankful that all was peaceful at the end.

'For my people who enjoyed the beginning of my performance, I am sorry that it was cut short.

'Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!'

Meanwhile, a video shared on TikTok captured the moment Asake told his fans that '3,000 people have broken the door outside'.

In the footage, he said: 'Because of security police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you, this is nothing to do with us or the promoter. This is basically... listen to what I am saying.'

He then passes the mic over and fans are told to 'leave the same way you came in' and promised that they will be given a refund on their purchased ticket.

In another video, the crowd inside the venue can be heard booing when an announcement was made from the stage saying the show was being closed. 

The gig, which saw Asake touring his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe, was pulled part-way through.

It was the final of three sold-out shows the Nigerian singer, who had the break-out hit Lady in 2020, had performed at the Brixton music venue, which has a standing capacity of 5,000 people.

On Sunday, the musician tweeted fans to ask them not to come to the O2 Academy if they did not have a ticket, adding it was sold out and no tickets were being sold on the door.

One resident who lives next to the O2 Academy said that police arrived after the gig was cancelled.

John, 32, who declined to give his surname, said: 'I saw everyone at the front door of Brixton Academy, (then) everything just stopped,' he said.

'It looked like the gig had been cancelled, and then some commotion, some pushing and shoving, and the police came shortly after. That's when it kicked off.

He added: 'You could tell there was tension.'

The local said people trying to get into the O2 had broken the glass of the front doors.

'People at the front of the Brixton Academy were really pushing and shoving and trying to break through the door and force their way in,' he said.

'The glass of the doors was broken.'

Met Police gold commander Ade Adelekan described the incident as 'extremely distressing' and urged any witnesses who are yet to speak with police to get in contact.

Mr Adelekan added: 'I am aware of video being shared on social media. I would ask people to be sensible about what they share, and not to post material that will be upsetting to those affected by this incident.

'Where force has been used by police officers, those officers know they have to be accountable for their actions. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards will view all material, including Body Worn Video footage from the officers at the scene.

'In relation to a clip being widely shared, I can confirm that no police dogs were deployed to the location.' 

DID YOU WITNESS THE CHAOTIC SCENES OUTSIDE ASAKE'S GIG? Email [email protected] 

The person who tweeted the video claimed: 'So the police have locked off Asake and have left a bunch of people in an alley in the freezing cold.' 

Elsewhere, a woman is seen in a confrontation with a Metropolitan Police officer. She is quickly swarmed by four other officers as she is taken to the ground. 

Another shocking video shows a woman arguing with an officer at the top of a concrete set of stairs at the front of the venue, before she is thrown down them by the policeman. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted to say he was 'heartbroken', and that his 'thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident at Brixton Academy'.

MailOnline has contacted Asake's reps and the O2 Academy for further comment. 

The London Ambulance Service said that they were called to the Brixton 02 Academy at 10.06pm.

10 people were treated at the scene, eight of those were taken to hospital and two were discharged.

Lambeth Police said: 'Emergency services attended the O2 Academy in Brixton following reports that a number of people had been injured after a large crowd attempted to enter without tickets. 

'Four people are in a critical condition at hospital. Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance.' 

Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 ref 6725/15Dec.

Anyone with mobile phone footage that may assist police, are also asked to contact @MetCC on Twitter.