Peter Kay Birmingham Performance Evacuated After 19-Year-Old Arrested Over Suspicious Bag
A Peter Kay comedy performance at Birmingham's Utilita Arena was cut short and the venue evacuated on Friday night following the discovery of a “potential suspicious bag”. West Midlands Police confirmed a 19-year-old man is now in custody in connection with the incident.
The comedian was approximately 45 minutes into his set when the evacuation commenced. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage showed audience members exiting the arena.
A statement from Utilita Arena Birmingham affirmed that “everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure”. The venue also stated that ticket holders would be contacted directly regarding their attendance.
The incident unfolded shortly after the UK’s terror threat level was raised from “substantial” to “severe” on Thursday, the highest level in over four years. This elevation followed the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, London, earlier in the week.
Peter Kay is scheduled to perform again at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, 2 May.
