Peter Kay show halted in Birmingham over suspected 'bomb hoax'
West Midlands Police said a 19-year-man is in custody
Last updated 10 minutes ago
West Midlands Police say no suspicious items have been found after Peter Kay’s show in Birmingham was stopped mid-performance last night.
They have provided an update following the evacuation of the audience at the comedian's show at the Utilita Arena.
A spokesperson for the force 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 a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our enquiries continue.
"We're grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public."
The comedian's show was halted mid-performance last night after a "potential suspicious bag" was found.
Witnesses said that two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into Kay’s ear, and then escorted him off.
Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.”
He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.
“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,” Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon, said.
“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.
“But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”
Miranda Richardson, 52, a pub landlady from Northampton, said: “It was very swift.
“One minute (Peter Kay’s) on stage and the gig is great, then two of the event team walk on stage straight to him, quick word and he’s ushered off.
“The staff tells us due to unforeseen circumstances we all have to evacuate the arena straight away.
“Staff helped get people out and it was calm and swift. We heard very quickly someone had claimed a bag had been left somewhere.
“No messing, it was just all out.”
A spokesperson for the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) said: “The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority. We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure.
“Ticket holders will be contacted directly in due course.”