Need to know
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence after Peter Kay’s gig at Utilita Arena Birmingham was evacuated, with police confirming no suspicious items were found
NEED TO KNOW: Peter Kay gig evacuated as 19-year-old arrested for bomb hoax
- A 19-year-old man has been arrested for a bomb hoax after Peter Kay’s Birmingham gig was evacuated on Friday night.
- Around 15,000 fans were forced to leave the Utilita Arena 45 minutes into the comedian’s set after a suspicious bag was reported. Police confirmed no dangerous items were found following searches.
- Audience member Tom Anderson, 45, witnessed a man rush into the venue’s toilets before shouting “I have a bag in there” when security removed him.
- The dramatic scenes saw Kay looking “scared and panicked” as he was rushed off stage by his team. One fan described the moment as “eerie” as security told the audience they had to remove the comedian.
- Police said the 19-year-old remains in custody as enquiries continue. A spokesperson confirmed their priority is always public safety.
- The Utilita Arena was evacuated as a precaution on police advice.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Major update on teen arrested after Peter Kay gig evacuated over ‘bomb scare’
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