November 16, 2008 12:33

Three attacked at London's Urban Music Awards

One person is critically ill after stabbing at O2 ceremony

One man was stabbed and two others were injured at London's Urban Music Awards last night (November 15).

One man in his late 20s is critically ill in hospital after being stabbed at the ceremony, held at the O2's IndigO2 venue.

The awards ceremony was halted after an hour and a half due to escalating violence in the venue, but it continued once the audience were allowed back into the room.

Some in attendance at the event criticised lax security at the awards, although the venue have stated their usual checks were carried out.

Speaking to BBC News, audience member Mike Muller said: "The company I work for, Intensify Youth, were presenting an award. Our man was just about to go on stage and present the award when this happened. The irony is Intensify Youth is a project that aims to combat knife crime so this is really disappointing."

Two others have been treated in hospital for minor injuries, and guests were questioned by police before they were allowed to leave after the ceremony.

Leona Lewis, Estelle and Dizzee Rascal were among the artists nominated for the awards.