Police fire tear gas at Hot 97 Summer Jam concert crowd after violence erupts

The incident started when fans without tickets attempted to climb over fences

A major hip hop concert in New Jersey erupted into chaos on Sunday night as thousands of fans attempted to gain entry into the MetLife stadium, leading police officials to use tear gas.

The entrance to the sold out Hot 97 Summer Jam, which hosted performers Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and Meek Mill, was blocked off by police in riot gear as the venue became overcrowded by concert goers both with and without tickets.

Officials have said that the incident started when fans without tickets attempted to climb over fences and force their way through security. Police dressed in full riot gear began refusing entry and angry concert attendants pelted them with bottles.

Eventually, a heavily armoured vehicle began blasting a piercing alarm in an attempt to disperse the huge crowd. This was followed by the release of tear gas.

A police spokesperson, Sgt. Gregory Williams, told the Associated Press that additional troops were sent for “crowd control” and that arrests were made, but the exact number was not revealed. Watch footage below.

In a Facebook status, HOT 97, hosts of the events, said: “For those whose SJ tickets were not scanned, refunds will be offered at point of purchase.”

The concert was streamed on the Jay-Z owned music service Tidal.