Police have shared photos of nine individuals they are hoping to locate following the tragic crush at the O2 Academy in Brixton that resulted in the deaths of two people.
Gaby Hutchinson, a 23-year-old security guard, and 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo lost their lives on December 15, 2022, during a concert by Afrobeat artist Asake at the O2 Academy when fans without tickets attempted to force their way in.
A 22-year-old woman who was injured at the event remains in a critical condition in the hospital.
Over the last year, the police have carefully reviewed CCTV footage, gathered more than 500 witness statements, and seized over 5,000 pieces of evidence in connection with the incident.
The authorities are still seeking to locate nine individuals.
Rebecca, a mother of two, and the young woman still in hospital were among the thousands of attendees at the O2 Academy Brixton to see Asake perform.
Gaby was working as a security guard at the venue when the tragic incident unfolded.
The families of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson gathered at New Scotland Yard on December 13 to commemorate their loved ones one year after the terrible event and to support a fresh appeal by the police for information.
Rebecca’s father, Anthony Ikumelo, stated: “Rebecca was a kind and caring individual who looked out for everyone in the community. This tragedy has left an enormous void in our hearts that cannot be filled. We implore anyone with information about what occurred that night to come forward so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”
Kelsey Hutchinson, Gaby’s sister, expressed: “Our lives will never be the same. We have holes that we are trying to fill with a new normal. We are still waiting for answers as the investigations are ongoing. No one should go to work and not return home.”
Detective Chief Inspector Penney remarked: “Our primary focus is on uncovering the truth about what transpired on that fateful evening, how Rebecca and Gaby lost their lives, and why a young woman remains in hospital in critical condition a year later.
“We are thankful to those who have already cooperated with the investigation by providing information, sharing footage, or offering valuable insights. It is our duty to the grieving families to uncover the facts surrounding the loss of their loved ones and to pursue the truth without bias.
“If you were present at the Asake concert at the O2 Academy Brixton on December 15, 2022, and captured footage – as many individuals did according to CCTV footage – please come forward and share that footage with the investigation. Help the families find the closure they seek.”
Individuals with information can submit footage through the investigation portal, contact the investigating team at 020 7321 9425, or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
