Top brass from the Government-backed Security Industry Authority (SIA) are working with the Metropolitan Police in its investigation into the Brixton O2 Academy tragedy.

Paul Fullwood, SIA director of inspections and enforcement, said they were working with the Metropolitan Police to assist their investigation into the fatal crush which killed two at an Asake gig at the south London venue on December 15.

Fullwood said: “We are working with the Metropolitan Police to assist them with their investigation into the tragedy that took place at the Brixton 02 Academy on the night of 15 December 2022.”

Allegations of corruption and breaches of security rules were made by the BBC.

“We have seen the reports in the press resulting from the BBC’s File on 4 programme. As the regulator of the private security industry in the UK, we take allegations of corruption by security operatives extremely seriously.

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“We have today (Jan 18) launched an inquiry into these allegations which appear to extend beyond the Brixton O2 Academy.

“We will also review licensing arrangements and take appropriate action against any individual or company carrying out such practices as part of our regulatory licensing responsibility across the private security industry.”

The Academy is shut after Lambeth Council suspended its licence for three months until at least April 16.

Academy Music Group said in a statement: “O2 Academy Brixton recognises the gravity of the events which occurred on the night of December 15, 2022 and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who died during the tragic incident and its genuine concerns for anyone affected by it.”