A suspected crowd crush at the Brixton O2 Academy has left four people in critical condition with reports that people were forcing entry.
Police were called to the concert by afro-pop singer Asake and found numerous people suffering injuries, at 9.35pm on Thursday, December 15.
Eight people were taken to hospital by ambulance, four of whom are in critical condition, and two others were treated at the scene.
Detectives from Specialist Crime have launched an “urgent investigation”. Nobody has been arrested.
The concert, which began at 7.15pm, was reportedly stopped halfway through.
Videos on social media show large crowds building up outside the venue, with shouting and screaming audible.
Chaotic footage from inside the concert hall and lobby appears to show crowds swelling and people running inside the venue.
There are reports of people being kicked and punched in the crowd.
Prior to the event, artist Asake, otherwise known as Mr. Money, asked people on Twitter not to come without a valid ticket.
An eyewitness reportedly said: “I live here and the crowd – there are always crowds coming out of the Brixton Academy – but last night was more crowds than I’d ever seen.
“The entire intersection was packed, and I knew something was going on because police normally don’t show up and they just told me that people were hurt.”
One video posted to Twitter appeared to show a police officer pushing someone down some steps outside the venue.
Commander Ade Adelekan, Met Police Gold Commander, said: “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.”
A cordon remains in place outside the venue with debris remaining from the commotion.
Commander Ade Adelekan, Met Police Gold Commander, said: “This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
“A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night. The scene will be examined by specialist officers, CCTV will be viewed, every witness that we can make contact with will be spoken to and all other lines of enquiry will be followed.
“Officers are remaining in the area to provide reassurance to the local community in and around Brixton. If you have any information or concerns, please speak with them.
“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.
“In relation to a clip being widely shared, I can confirm that no police dogs were deployed to the location.
“Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 ref 6725/15Dec. If you have mobile phone footage that may assist police, please make contact via @MetCC on Twitter. We will provide further details about ways to share footage in due course.”