Three in hospital after fire and crush at festival in London

Figure caption, Video shows a large crowd caught up in a crush and emergency services on the scene

ByJames McCarthy

London

Updated 2 hours ago

Three people were taken to hospital after a fire and crush at the entrance of a festival.

Organisers of Ghana Party in the Park, also known as Shattafest UK, at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, London, said the event was stopped following a "major incident" at about 18:00 BST on Saturday.

The Metropolitan Police said a fire had started near the gates, which meant they were closed temporarily.

A crowd built up, and there was a surge when the gates reopened, it said.

Organisers said the decision to end the festival was made on health and safety grounds.

It said in a statement the day had been "one of the most difficult" in the event's history and called what happened "deeply upsetting".

Image caption, Emergency services arriving at the event at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet where 23 people received medical aid

Firefighters, the ambulance service and air ambulance also attended.

Organisers had initially "temporarily paused" the festival while firefighters and event safety teams responded to the small fire at the entrance.

A spokesperson said: "Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe, normal event operations resumed.

"Later in the day a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries."

Organisers said it was agreed closing the festival was considered the safest option.

"We wish all those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery, and safe journey back home to everyone," the spokesperson said.

They added: "We would like to clarify that there were no incidents of stabbing and deaths as [was] being speculated."

'Crowd surged gates'

The Met said it was called after reports of crushing at the entrance.

"A small fire on the site, near to the entrance, had required the gates to be closed temporarily. A crowd built up and surged when the gates were reopened.

"Officers responded quickly, and working alongside event organisers, they formed a barrier between the surging crowds and people on the floor."

Officers, the force said, gave initial medical care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

"A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team, with nine people assessed by the London Ambulance Service.

"Three were taken to hospital, where their condition was confirmed as non-life-threatening.

"The event was ended early, and crowds left without further incident."

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