New details have emerged after a cultural festival was stopped following a number of incidents.
Ghana Party in the Park, held at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, was closed down prematurely yesterday (August 1) following an overcrowding incident at the entrance.
The outdoor cultural festival is an event that has been in operation since it was established in 2005, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Ghana Party in the Park has revealed that the events of yesterday made it "one of the most difficult days" in its history.
Prior to the festival being called off, it has been confirmed there was an earlier pause as a result of a fire breaking out.
The fire is understood to have involved vendors, requiring the London Fire Brigade to attend alongside the event safety teams.
Normal event operations resumed after the fire was addressed and the area was declared safe.
Later in the day, at around 6pm, emergency services were called again to the festival after Ghana Party in the Park described a "major incident" when a "crowd surge" occurred at the entrance.
The overcrowding prompted a major response, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, Air Ambulance, and London Fire Brigade.
A number of people were injured, with multiple patients requiring treatment at the scene.
The London Ambulance Service has confirmed it took three people to hospital.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the injuries sustained are not believed to be life-threatening.
The festival was stopped early following discussions between organisers and emergency services, with the decision made "solely on the ground of health and safety", the organisers claim.
Rumours circulating online of a stabbing have been confirmed as inaccurate speculation by police officials.
In its latest statement addressing the incidents, Ghana Party in the Park has apologised to those affected.
It wrote: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed, or otherwise affected by the events that took place.
"Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise and our hearts go out to everyone involved.
"We wish those who sustained injuries a full and speedy recovery, and extend our sincere support to their families, friends, and loved ones."
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It thanked the emergency services for their response, adding that the health, safety, and wellbeing of attendees remains its highest priority.
The statement concluded by saying: "For more than 20 years, Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture, music and community, welcoming thousands of people in a positive and safe environment. This year's event was in conjunction with ShattaFest.
"We remain committed to learning from this incident and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities as they establish the full circumstances surrounding what occurred."
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