As part of investigations into the crush at the O2 Academy Brixton on December 15 last year which claimed the lives of two people and left a third in a critical condition, Lambeth Council is undertaking a Health and Safety review.

The council has appointed experienced former council Chief Executive Paul Martin to independently lead the health and safety investigation. Martin has been working closely with the Metropolitan Police on the review since the start of the year.

At the same time the council is also reviewing licensable activities at the venue, and the Met Police are investigating the major incident.

Bayo Dosunmu, Lambeth Council's Chief Executive, said: "We are very mindful of the profound impact this incident has had on many people who were present at the O2 Academy on that night and on the family and loved ones of the two people who tragically lost their lives that evening, and the person that remains in a critical condition.

"In order that Lambeth Council rigorously and independently investigates what happened on that evening, I have asked one of London's most experienced former Chief Executives to lead on the health and safety investigation on behalf of the council, working closely with the Metropolitan police.

"My commitment is to ensure that this is investigated thoroughly.

"I appreciate that the O2 Academy Brixton is an iconic and much loved venue, and the impact of the current closure will be felt keenly by many people in Brixton and further afield. However, we are acutely aware of our fundamental health and safety responsibility, and that this consideration overrides all others.

"We will provide updates on the situation as this develops."

Lambeth Council has acted under Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 of the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998 which gives local authorities responsibility as the enforcing authority for health and safety related issues in a wide range of premises.

Paul Martin was Chief Executive at the London Borough of Wandsworth between 2010 and 2021, and has also served in his career as Chief Executive at the London Borough of Sutton, London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and London Borough of Ealing.