Brixton Academy has licence suspended with future in doubt after two die in Asake concert horror
BRIXTON Academy’s licence has been suspended amid fears it may never reopen after two people died in a concert crush.
Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and 23-year-old security guard Gaby Hutchinson were killed in the horror at an Asake gig last week.
Council leaders have now ordered the venue in South West London to stay shut until at least January 16.
There are fears the building could remain shut forever with officials investigating whether their licence will be revoked.
Lambeth Council said: “We are shocked and saddened by the devastating incident in Brixton on Thursday night, and are working to support our communities in the wake of this tragedy.
“The council is also fully playing its role in the investigations that are now underway. We are determined that answers must be found as to why these awful events occurred.
“The venue is currently closed and we are set to undertake an urgent, in-depth review of its licence, which covers the legal conditions it must meet to run, including its public safety arrangements.”
Rebecca and Gaby died and a woman was left fighting for when 3,000 extra fans reportedly attempted to force entry to the O2 Academy.
The gig had to be abandoned mid-way through as video appeared to show fans clashing with police.
A clip also emerged of a woman being thrown down stairs by officers, with that incident now under review.
The gig was the final performance of three sold-out shows from Nigerian singer Asake.
Tributes flooded in for Gaby and mum-of-two Rebecca following their deaths.
Gaby’s family said: “Gaby has brought so much love, laughter and inappropriate jokes into our lives and will forever be our baby, our daughter, our sister, our man and our joy.
“Getting 23 years of Gaby’s life was a blessing and one we will never forget. Gaby will forever live on in our hearts.
“No-one should go to work and not come home.
“But Gaby protected those they loved fiercely and it was the same with Gaby’s job.”
Rebecca regularly posted on her Instagram and YouTube about her two sons, who both have autism.
She raised awareness of the condition on her social media and appeared on podcasts to talk about bringing up children with delayed speech.
Tragically, on the day before the concert the doting mum posted a video of one of her boys talking saying: “To think just a year ago he was non verbal.
“He’s made so much progress this year”.
Rebecca had also recently shared pictures of the family enjoying the snow as they got ready for Christmas.
Her family hailed her “care, kindness and love”.
In a statement released through the Met Police, the family said: “Rebecca was a graduate of nursing. She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids.
“She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning ‘Lord is Worthy’.”