The families of the people killed during the Brixton Academy crush have cried out for the public’s help in a desperate appeal.
Mother-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23, died on December 15, 2022 – a horrific night that saw crowds of people, many believed to be ticketless, force entry into the venue.
A 21-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious condition – seven months on.
Operation Wickmar has seen detectives pore over footage and witness statements but they’re still appealing for information that solves “the puzzle and helps find some answers”.
Speaking together, Rebecca’s mother Yetunde, father Anthony and aunt Mary, said their loss had “broken us”.
“Until you go through something like this, you don’t know the importance of how the littlest thing could help,” they said.
Rebecca, from Newham, was a nursing graduate who worked with autistic children. She has been described as “beautiful… not only on the outside but also inside”.
Her family said: “What we would say to anyone who was there, who hasn’t spoken or doesn’t want to speak, it could have been your sister, your cousin, the mother of your child, your daughter. We just ask, please come forward.”
Gaby, from Gravesend, was working as a security guard at the Asake gig. Gaby’s mother Christina Hutchinson and sister Nina Hutchinson said: “Mum and Dad have lost their youngest baby, and it’s not something you should ever have to do, putting your daughter to rest before you.
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“As siblings, we have lost growing old together. We have lost that because of what happened that night. It has been stolen.
“We want to say to anyone who was there, even if they think they have a minor piece of information, something that they think is irrelevant, could they please, please contact the police.
“It could be that little bit that fits the puzzle and helps find some answers. It would make a difference to us as a family, because we just need answers. No one should ever go to work and not come home.”
Brixton Academy’s licence was suspended and it’s yet to start hosting events again. The Met has called for it to have its licence revoked.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, senior investigating officer, said: “Six months on from this tragic incident, we remain absolutely committed to finding out what happened that night. We offer our heartfelt support to the victims’ families as they pay tribute and remember their loved ones.
“We know there were thousands of people there and that many will have seen what happened. Footage shared on social media immediately after the incident showed dozens of people filming on their phones.
“We are grateful to everyone who has come forward so far, but we still need more information from those who were there that evening. Please do not assume we have the information or images you are in possession of. We are especially interested in video footage from that evening.
“If you were there and recorded or saw anything, please think of the families who are struggling to come to terms with their loss, and share what you saw with my team who are waiting to hear from you.”
Police investigating the Brixton Academy crush need more information, photos and videos
People can get in touch with police by clicking on this link which has just been updated: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS22U62-PO1, You will be able to upload information and video content to this portal to assist the investigation.
You can phone the Operation Wickmar investigation team direct on 0207 321 9425.
Alternatively, to remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
