Up to 47 One Direction fans aged between 12 and 15 have been injured at a crush at the band's concert in the 40,000 capacity Estadio Nacional in the Peruvian capital of Lima.

The injuries occurred as fans rushed to get to the front of stage to be near the band. Sky News interview the city's Chief of Police Salvador Iglesias who revealed that the incident occurred "when the concert doors opened" and that there was "a rush of youngsters scrambling to get to the front."

The majority of injuries sustained to the children were as a result of asphyxia, a condition caused by a severe deficiency of oxygen to the body which can be sustained in large crowds when there is overcrowding. It is understood that none of the children are in a serious condition.

Mario Cassareto, head of the Peruvian fire service, elaborated on the situation further on local radio, saying: "we treated 47 children aged 12 to 15 for symptoms of asphyxia. Everything is under control. We have nothing to be ashamed of, we've handled the situation well."

A statement released by the band said: "The band's management employ, in their touring party, the very best crowd control and advance security specialists who plan in advance and on the day with all the relevant local experts and services including police, fire, medical, the venue and the promoter."

One Direction will play Croke Park on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of May.

(Via NME)