The Metropolitan Police has released pictures of 13 people they would like to identify as they continue to investigate the crash at the O2 Academy Brixton which killed two people on December 15, 2022.
The crush resulted in the deaths of Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23. A 22-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious condition following the incident.
Today, the Met has released the images of the men they would like to identify as part of their investigation which saw thousands of people squeezed in a massive crush.
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector leading the investigation said they owed it to the families to find out what happened. DCI Nigel Penney said: “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening, how Rebecca and Gaby came to lose their lives and why a young woman remains in hospital in a very serious condition a year later.
“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.”
DCI Penney added: “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.”
Ahead of the first anniversary of the crush, the families of Ms Ikumelo and Ms Hutchinson met at New Scotland Yard to remember their loved ones and appeal for anyone to come forward with information about the incident.
Ms Ikumelow and the hospitalised woman attended the concert to see the artist Asake perform whilst Ms Hutchinson was working as a security guard the same night.
In a statement, Ms Ikumelo’s father Anthony 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.”
Ms Hutchinson’s sister Kelsey added: “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.”
In a further statement, police said: “Upload footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS22U62-PO1. You will be able to upload information and video content to this portal to assist the investigation.
“Call the investigating team on 020 7321 9425. To remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
