Brixton Academy: Three critically hurt in Asake concert crush - BBC

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By Harry Low & Liz Jackson & Vinnie O'Dowd

BBC News

Three people remain in a critical condition after being injured in a crush at a gig at the Brixton O2 Academy that left several others hurt.

The concert, by Afro-pop singer Asake, had to be abandoned part-way through. A "large number of people" tried to force their way inside, the Met Police said.

Social media footage shows people screaming, shouting and struggling.

One of the crush victims said: "I couldn't breathe and I completely passed out. I thought I was dead."

The woman, who was taken to hospital from the venue on Thursday night with suspected internal bleeding, said: "I took my last breath and I could not get any more oxygen. I was so scared."

Videos on social media show the crowd stretching from the road outside to the venue's doors.

The Met Police said more than 4,000 people were in attendance.

In a statement outside Brixton police station on Friday afternoon, Cdr Colin Wingrove said officers were called by staff at the venue at about 21:30 GMT, "following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry".

He added: "Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save life."

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One person has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and Cdr Wingrove said that an incident in which an officer was "apparently seen to push a member of the public" was under review by the force's directorate of professional standards.

It is also to review footage from cameras worn by officers at the scene.

• What happened at the Brixton Academy crush?

The concert was the third 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 on his Instagram account, Asake said: "My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest."

The woman who passed out at the venue spoke to press agency UKNIP after being discharged from hospital. She said: "I was trying to get up, people were stepping on my head, all over me. I had more than 10 people on top of me.

"A man pulled me out so when I woke up I was in the back of the ambulance."

The woman, from Battersea in south London, suffered skinned knees and a black eye. "I'm just grateful that I've come away with no broken bones; they thought I had internal bleeding but thank God they did a CT scan and I'm good."

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Akin Oluwaleimu, 53, from Kirby Cross near Colchester, went to the gig with his daughter Elsie, 14, but decided to return home after things turned "rowdy" outside with "a lot of pushing".

"We didn't get inside. When we were leaving we were told the show had been stopped.

"Two ladies fainted and were carried up high away... I was not worried about myself but I was worried about my daughter's safety."

Another witness, Jay Taylor, 24, from Greenwich in south-east London, described how a minority of apparently ticketless fans tried to force their way into the venue.

She said: "People were literally jumping on each other and even on to the police."

Serious crushes at British gigs are very rare.

In 1974, a 14-year-old David Cassidy fan died at the pop singer's concert at the White City Stadium in west London, with another 700 people injured.

At the Monsters of Rock festival in 1988, two people lost their lives in a crowd surge when Guns N' Roses played at a muddy Castle Donington in Leicestershire.

Earlier this year, the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena - where next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held - launched an investigation after fans complained of overcrowding at a concert by local hero Jamie Webster, although no injuries were reported.

It has become common for artists to pause their shows if they suspect there may be a problem in the crowd, with heightened awareness of such dangers in the wake of the tragedy at Travis Scott's Astroworld festival, in Texas in November 2021, in which 10 people died.

'Breakout star'

Getty Images

Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was nominated for BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2023 award.

He had been described on the venue's website as "one of the hottest breakout stars from Nigeria" and is touring his debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe.

Born and raised in Lagos State, his songs are part of the Nigerian street-pop subgenre that blends Afrobeats with Amapiano, pop melodies and street-smart rap lyrics.

He had a breakout hit in 2020 with his single Lady.

Additional reporting by James Kelly.

Were you at the concert or in the area? If you'd like to get in touch you can email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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Related Internet Links

• O2 Academy Brixton

• Metropolitan Police

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Brixton Academy: Three critically hurt in Asake concert crush - BBC

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By Harry Low & Liz Jackson & Vinnie O'Dowd

BBC News

Three people remain in a critical condition after being injured in a crush at a gig at the Brixton O2 Academy that left several hurt.

Police were called on Thursday night to the show at the south London venue by Afro-pop singer Asake which was abandoned part-way through.

One witness estimated 1,000 people turned up to the gig without tickets.

One of the crush victims said: "I couldn't breathe and I completely passed out. I thought I was dead."

The woman, who was taken to hospital with suspected internal bleeding, said: "I took my last breath and I could not get any more oxygen. I was so scared."

The Met Police said more than 4,000 people were in attendance at the venue. In footage on social media, the crowd can be seen stretching from the road outside to the venue's doors, with people screaming, shouting and struggling.

In a statement outside Brixton police station on Friday afternoon, Cdr Colin Wingrove said officers were called to the scene by Academy staff at about 21:30 GMT, "following reports that a large number of people were attempting to force entry to the venue".

He added: "Some officers provided first aid and CPR to members of the public in order to save life."

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One person has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and Cdr Wingrove said that an incident in which an officer was "apparently seen to push a member of the public" was under review by the force's directorate of professional standards.

It is also to review footage from body-worn cameras taken by officers at the scene.

Earlier, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted to say he was "heartbroken", adding: "My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident at Brixton Academy."

• What happened at the Brixton Academy crush?

The concert was the third 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 on his Instagram account, Asake said: "My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest."

The woman who passed out at the venue spoke to press agency UKNIP after being discharged from hospital. She said: "I was trying to get up, people were stepping on my head, all over me. I had more than 10 people on top of me.

"A man pulled me out so when I woke up I was in the back of the ambulance."

The woman, from Battersea in south London, suffered skinned knees and a black eye. "I'm just grateful that I've come away with no broken bones; they thought I had internal bleeding but thank God they did a CT scan and I'm good."

Akin Oluwaleimu, 53, from Kirby Cross near Colchester, went to the gig with his daughter Elsie, 14, but decided to return home after things turned "rowdy" outside with "a lot of pushing".

"We didn't get inside. When we were leaving we were told the show had been stopped.

"Two ladies fainted and were carried up high away... I was not worried about myself but I was worried about my daughter's safety."

Another witness, Jay Taylor, 24, from Greenwich in south-east London, described how a minority of apparently ticketless fans tried to force their way into the venue.

She said: "People were literally jumping on each other and even on to the police."

Serious crushes at British gigs are very rare.

In 1974, a 14-year-old David Cassidy fan died at the pop singer's concert at the White City Stadium in west London, with another 700 people injured.

At the Monsters of Rock festival in 1988, two people lost their lives in a crowd surge when Guns N' Roses played at a muddy Castle Donington in Leicestershire.

Earlier this year, the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena - where next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held - launched an investigation after fans complained of overcrowding at a concert by local hero Jamie Webster, although no injuries were reported.

It has become common for artists to pause their shows if they suspect there may be a problem in the crowd, with heightened awareness of such dangers in the wake of the tragedy at Travis Scott's Astroworld festival, in Texas in November 2021, in which 10 people died.

'Breakout star'

Getty Images

Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was nominated for BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2023 award.

He had been described on the venue's website as "one of the hottest breakout stars from Nigeria" and is touring his debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe.

Born and raised in Lagos State, his songs are part of the Nigerian street-pop subgenre that blends Afrobeats with Amapiano, pop melodies and street-smart rap lyrics.

He had a breakout hit in 2020 with his single Lady.

Were you at the concert or in the area? If you'd like to get in touch you can email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload your pictures/video here
• Or fill out the form below
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk

Related Internet Links

• O2 Academy Brixton

• Metropolitan Police

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

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2022-12-16 13:43:23Z
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Solihull: Two brothers among boys who died after icy lake fall - BBC

Family

Two young brothers and their cousin were three of the four boys who died when they plunged into an icy lake in the West Midlands.

Finlay Butler, eight, and his younger brother Samuel, six, died, as did their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and another boy, Jack Johnson, 10.

They were pulled from water at Babbs Mill Park, near Solihull, on Sunday.

The families of the three young relatives have paid tribute to their "beautiful boys".

"As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys Tom, Fin and Sam in such tragic circumstances," said their parents in a statement released by West Midlands Police.

"We would like to thank the emergency services for all they did in rescuing the boys and to the community for their support - it has been overwhelming.

"We would like to pass on our condolences to Jack's family at this very sad time, and ask for privacy from the media to begin to grieve."

'I love you Tom'

Jack, Finlay and Thomas died in hospital on Sunday.

On Wednesday, police confirmed the youngest of the boys Sam had also died.

Thomas's older brother released a tribute to his "beautiful" and "lively" sibling with "such a big heart".

"He loved being outside playing with his mates. I love you Tom, big bro will take care of the family and I will see you soon," it said.

"Make sure you keep practising on warzone and get a win, will you?"

Writing before he learned his younger cousin had also died, the boy added he could not forget "dinosaur man, Fin".

"He loved dinosaurs so much and always showing me new things he built on Minecraft, and all the new stuff he learnt on it. Gonna miss you little man."

St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, where Jack was a pupil, said its community remained "in a state of shock" at the tragic news.

"Jack was a loving, bubbly pupil with a heart of gold. Someone who would always check in on others and make sure they were doing OK," said head teacher Cieran Flaherty.

"He was a joy to teach and a child who we are all so very proud of. A ray of sunshine who would never fail to make us all smile. We can only say thank you to him for brightening up our lives."

Staff from the school visited the scene on Thursday to pay their own tributes.

• Heartbreak and heroism: Lake deaths community unites
• Sorrow over death of fourth boy who fell into lake
• Police pay their respects after lake tragedy

Dr Toby Close, associate head teacher at Park Hall Academy, confirmed the death of their pupil, 11-year-old Thomas, "with the heaviest of hearts".

"Tom was a well-liked, caring pupil with real character who went out of his way to look after those around him," he said.

"He was a fiercely loyal friend to so many in our school community. In the short time he was at Park Hall, his outgoing personality, energy and wit shone through.

"We will miss him brightening every day with his great sense of humour. He radiated a love for learning with his infectious smile and enthusiastic manner."

PA Media

Earlier on Thursday a mass was held as a "beautiful tribute to Jack", St Anthony's Primary School tweeted.

"We were joined by Jack's family and our school family," it said.

Firefighters from Sheldon fire station also attended the service. Crews from the station were among those who had tried to rescue the boys on Sunday.

Ambulance workers who had tried to save the four boys placed a wreath near the scene.

"We are all human," said assistant chief officer Nathan Hudson.

"Nobody comes to work to perform advanced care on four children that have drowned in a lake, so it's a very difficult moment for them professionally."

Staying safe near frozen lakes

• Children should not go on the ice under any circumstances
• Stay away from the edge of bodies of water as uneven terrain can make slips and falls more likely
• Whenever possible, stick to well-lit routes away from water
• Keep dogs on a lead when they're near the ice, and don't throw sticks or toys on to the ice
• If a pet falls in, do not go on to the ice nor into the water to rescue them, move somewhere where the dog can climb out and call them to you

Source: Royal Life Saving Society UK

A police cordon at the scene of the accident was lifted on Wednesday evening, after specialist diving teams completed their searches.

Supt Rich Harris, of West Midlands Police, said officers would remain in the area over the coming days.

"This is a tragedy beyond words and a grief that is unimaginable for the families and friends of the boys," added Supt Harris.

"The support from the community has been overwhelming, not just for the bereaved families, but also for the emergency services, for which we are extremely grateful."

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk

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Death toll from Channel migrant dinghy sinking expected to rise - The Times

The death toll from yesterday’s Channel tragedy is expected to rise after rescue teams resumed their search operation this morning.

Four more people are feared to be missing, based on accounts from some of the 39 survivors. Four people are confirmed to have died.

Among those rescued was an 11-year-old from Afghanistan and migrants from Senegal and India. At least one is understood to be Albanian, but the government is yet to confirm any nationalities or ages.

A photograph seen on Sky News appears to show a partially deflated dinghy being brought aboard a lifeboat

Drones were used to search the Channel overnight and lifeboats resumed their search this morning. Government sources expect the operation to be called off by the end of the day.

Ships were also asked to post lookouts during the search. Most of those rescued in the early hours

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Twelve children among 39 rescued from migrant boat - BBC

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By Michael Sheils McNamee

BBC News

Twelve children were among the 39 people rescued from a migrant boat which began sinking in the English Channel on Wednesday, it has emerged.

A Kent County Council meeting heard a teenager was among four people who died in the incident, while searches continue for four people still missing.

They were on a packed vessel which started sinking in freezing waters between Kent and France.

Crews on a nearby fishing boat and lifeboats helped with the rescue.

A search operation for the four people still missing is being carried out by drone.

"The reality is they are now looking for dead bodies rather than survivors", the BBC's Simon Jones has said.

The children who were rescued have been taken into care by Kent County Council.

In a joint statement, the UK and France pledged to "destroy" the business model of people-smuggling gangs.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and her French counterpart Gérald Darmanin said the tragedy highlighted the need to jointly prevent the crossings.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event," they said.

The Maritime and and Coastguard Agency said some searches had taken place overnight with vessels in the area asked to post lookouts and report sightings to the Dover Coastguard.

Footage from Wednesday's rescue showed the inflatable boat filling with water as some dressed only in T-shirts and thin lifejackets screamed for help.

The video - shared by the owner of the fishing trawler, Ben Squire - showed the crew of the fishing boat pulling people up out of the water and the boat with ropes.

Those rescued from the dinghy said they had each paid £5,000 to cross the channel, the BBC has been told.

After hauling people to safety, Mr Squire said the crew gave them hot showers, their own clothes and fed them to help warm them up.

Charles Blyth, the safety officer at the company which owns the trawler, said it was "sheer coincidence" it was in the right place for the rescue.

"As soon as the individuals on that dinghy saw [our] fishing vessel, many of them started to jump off and swim," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He said crew members onboard had been trained in emergency care for people going overboard.

Lifeboat crews that arrived at the scene 10 minutes after the fishing trawler encountered a "horrific" and "distressing situation", the RNLI's head of lifeboats said on Thursday.

Simon Ling thanked the "invaluable" actions of the fishing vessel, saying crew members had saved "countless lives".

Temperatures at the time had dropped below 1C and were likely to have been colder out at sea.

A French organisation, Utopia 56, which helps migrants in Calais, said it was contacted at 01:53 GMT - with a voice message and a location - by a boat in distress in the Channel.

Nikolai Posner from the organisation said the voice message stated there were people in the water and families on board.

"It was clearly an emergency, he was calling for help," he told PA News, adding that babies could be heard "screaming" in the background.

The organisation, however, has said it was not possible to verify whether the distress call was definitely from the boat in question.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his sorrow at the "tragic loss of human life".

In November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK from France.

Some 460 people made the journey from France to Kent in small boats between Friday and Sunday, the BBC's Simon Jones said.

Nearly 45,000 people have made the journey this year so far.

Kent County Council works with the Home Office and police in the safeguarding of vulnerable children.

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2022-12-15 13:26:06Z
1698723515

Sea search continues after migrant boat deaths - BBC

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By Michael Sheils McNamee

BBC News

A rescue operation in the English Channel for up to four more people missing at sea is continuing.

On Wednesday, a packed migrant boat started sinking in freezing waters between Kent and France.

Crews on a nearby fishing boat and lifeboats rescued 39 people, but four people were confirmed dead. The latest search will be carried out by drone.

In a joint statement, the UK and France pledged to "destroy" the business model of people-smuggling gangs.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman and her counterpart Gérald Darmanin said the tragedy highlighted the need to jointly prevent the crossings.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event," they said.

The Maritime and and Coastguard Agency said some searches had taken place overnight with vessels in the area asked to post lookouts and report sightings to the Dover Coastguard.

Footage from Wednesday's rescue showed the inflatable boat filling with water as some dressed only in T-shirts and thin lifejackets screamed for help.

The video - shared by the owner of the fishing trawler, Ben Squire - showed crew pulling people up out of the water and the boat with ropes.

Those rescued from the dinghy said they had each paid £5,000 to cross the channel, the BBC has been told.

After hauling people to safety, Mr Squire said the crew gave them hot showers, their own clothes and fed them to help warm them up.

Charles Blyth, the safety officer at the company which owns the trawler, said it was "sheer coincidence" it was in the right place for the rescue.

"As soon as the individuals on that dinghy saw [our] fishing vessel, many of them started to jump off and swim," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He said crew members onboard had been trained in emergency care for people going overboard.

Temperatures overnight dropped below 1C and were likely to have been colder out at sea.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his sorrow at the "tragic loss of human life". The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said debates about asylum seekers were not about statistics but "precious human lives".

A French organisation, Utopia 56, which helps migrants in Calais, said it was contacted at 01:53 GMT - with a voice message and a location - by a boat in distress in the Channel.

Nikolai Posner from the organisation said the voice message stated there were people in the water and families on board.

"It was clearly an emergency, he was calling for help," he told PA News, adding that babies could be heard "screaming" in the background.

The organisation, however, has said it was not possible to verify whether the distress call was definitely from the boat in question.

In November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK from France.

Some 460 people made the journey from France to Kent in small boats between Friday and Sunday, the BBC's Simon Jones said.

Nearly 45,000 people have made the journey this year so far.

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2022-12-15 09:09:25Z
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