Man, 19, arrested on suspicion of bomb hoax after Peter Kay gig evacuated in Birmingham arena
A teenager was arrested on suspicion of bomb fraud after a Peter Kay concert was evacuated.
On Friday night, the show was stopped and the audience was evacuated from the Utilita Arena following a report of a suspicious bag. The comedian was also taken off the stage in the middle of the performance.
Police said Saturday that no suspicious items were found.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night, no items of a suspicious nature were found.
“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of bomb fraud and remains in custody this morning as our investigations continue.
“We are grateful to everyone for their cooperation and understanding. As always, our priority is the public’s safety.”
Doors opened at 18:00 before the show started at 20:00.
Witnesses said that about 45 minutes into the show, two staff members came on stage, whispered in Kay’s ear, and then escorted her away.
Images on social media show people queuing up to leave their places as part of the evacuation. Video taken from outside the venue shows police vehicles and flashing lights.
Steve Aspinall, who was at the concert with his wife, said: “Two men came up, one with a microphone and headphones, one whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay darted off to the side.”
Spectators were told to call security guards and listen for announcements, he said.
“I honestly thought it was part of the show at first,” said Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon.
“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, confusion about what was really happening.
“But it was okay and everyone was calm and left quickly without panicking.”
An arena spokesman said the evacuation was a precautionary measure on the advice of police and ticket holders would be contacted in due course.
The arena, which can seat around 15,800 people, was due to host Mr Kay as part of his latest tour of the UK and Ireland, with all proceeds donated to 12 leading cancer charities.
Charities include: Children With Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Kidney Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, DKMS UK, Ovarian Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan, The Brain Tumor Charity and Breast Cancer UK.
The comedian said last year: “Unfortunately, everyone knows someone who has been affected by this list, and I hope people support it. Come to the shows. That’s why I’m here.”
Mr. Kay became a household name following his TV creation in the early 2000s. Phoenix Nights. He has since appeared in other sitcoms. Peter Kay’s Carpool.
