Peter Kay ‘bundled off stage’ as gig is abruptly halted after 45 minutes and fans are evacuated from arena – as teenager, 19, is held over ‘suspicious’ bag

Comedian Peter Kay was ‘removed from the stage’ after his concert at a Birmingham arena was abruptly stopped after 45 minutes and fans were evacuated.

Police said a 19-year-old boy was detained after a ‘suspicious’ bag was found.

While Peter Kay was performing at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham this evening as part of his ‘Better Late Than Never’ tour, the crowd was asked to leave right at the beginning of the show and he was taken off the stage.

Birmingham Police said in a statement: ‘We are carrying out an evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham following the discovery of a potentially suspicious bag.

‘A 19-year-old man is in custody and the site is currently being searched as a precaution.

‘We will provide further updates when possible.’

A video shared on social media showed the moment an announcer walked onto the stage and asked people to leave.

The man said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances we will have to stop the show.

The comedian walked off stage just 45 minutes into the performance, which was part of his ‘Better Late Than Never’ tour.

Birmingham Police confirm a 19-year-old boy has been detained after a potentially suspicious bag was found

‘So we will turn the house lights on and can you please follow the instructions given to you by the house staff, stewards and security? Thank you.’

The audience can then be heard saying: ‘What? In the confusion that follows, is this a joke?’

The Birmingham arena is one of the largest indoor arenas in England and has a capacity of 15,800 spectators.

Viewers shared their shock on social media, with one person writing: ‘Evacuated from Peter Kay concert in Birmingham. ‘No information as to why.’

Another wrote: ‘I’ve waited years to see Peter Kay. Half an hour in and was released. Wonderful.’

This is breaking news, more will follow.