Four people have been left fighting for their lives after crowd surge occured during a sold out gig in London.
The incident unfolded last night (15 December) at the O2 Academy in Brixton, with hundreds of people rushing in to see singer Asake.
Footage shared on social media shows huge crowds waiting outside the venue in the freezing cold.
Once inside, the show was cut short according to a later clip in which a crew member on stage tells the crowds: "3,000 people have broken the doors outside and because of security the police have asked us to close the show."
Advert
As onlookers start booing, the man adds: "We apologise to you. This is nothing to do with us, this is nothing to do with Asake or the promoters."
Another clip shows guests clashing with police officers, including one in which a woman swings at a cop before being tackled to the ground.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the news in a statement shared today (16 December), saying a number of its officers were called to the scene at around 9.35pm after reports of a large number of people attempting to force entry into the Stockwell Road venue.
Emergency services including ambulances and the fire brigade attended and found 'a number of people with injuries believed to have been caused by crushing'.
Advert
Eight attendants were taken to hospital, four of which remain in critical condition, while a further two were treated for less serious injuries at the gig.
The police went on to say that an urgent investigation led by detectives from Specialist Crime is now taking place and officers continue to work at the scene.
No arrests have been made at the time of writing.
Commander Ade Adelekan, Met Police Gold Commander, said: "This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital.
Advert
"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."
Adelekan went on to say: "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.
Advert
"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."
LADbible has contacted the Met Police and a rep for Asake for comment.
Daisy Phillipson