Detectives investigating the fatal crush incident at Brixton Academy today (15 December) released 13 images of people they would like to identify on the first anniversary of the tragic events.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23, lost their lives. A 22-year-old woman injured in the event is still in hospital in a very serious condition.
Mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo and the young woman who remains in hospital, were among thousands of people who went to the Academy to watch Nigerian artist Asake perform. Security guard Gaby Hutchinson was on duty at the event.
The families of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson met at New Scotland Yard on 13 December to remember their loved ones and support a new police appeal for information.
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.”
A team of detectives remains committed to establishing exactly what took place, police said.
Over the past 12 months, hundreds of hours of CCTV have been meticulously examined, more than 500 witness statements have been taken and over 5,000 pieces of evidence have been seized.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney said: “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening.
“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 13 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.”
How people with information can get in touch:
Upload footage You can upload information and video content to this portal to assist the investigation.
Call the investigating team on 020 7321 9425.
To remain 100% anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org
The Academy remains closed, but Lambeth council’s licensing sub-committee has agreed – again the wishes of the police – that it can re-open under its current management after implementing many new security measures. However, the committee did not rule out the possibility that the police might be able to apply for another review of the licence when criminal proceedings resulting from the disaster are completed.
