Peter Kay Show Evacuated Over Suspicious Bag in Birmingham
A Peter Kay comedy show at Birmingham's Utilita Arena was evacuated on Friday night after police investigated a 'potential suspicious bag'. The performance was cut short about 45 minutes in. West Midlands Police confirmed a 19-year-old man is in custody. Audience member Steve Aspinall reported that two men approached the stage and whispered to Kay, who then quickly exited. The venue stated everyone was safely evacuated and the arena is secure. Attendees described a calm, orderly evacuation. The venue, which holds thousands, will contact ticket holders. Kay is scheduled to perform again on Saturday. The incident follows the UK's terror threat level being raised from 'substantial' to 'severe' on Thursday after a stabbing in Golders Green.
Key facts
- Peter Kay show at Utilita Arena Birmingham evacuated due to suspicious bag
- Show cut short after about 45 minutes
- West Midlands Police said a 19-year-old man is in custody
- Venue statement: 'everyone was safely evacuated and the venue is secure'
- Audience member Steve Aspinall saw two men whisper to Kay before he left stage
- Another attendee Miranda Richardson said staff evacuated crowd calmly
- Videos on social media showed crowds heading for exits
- UK terror threat level raised to 'severe' on Thursday after stabbing in Golders Green
Entities
Artists
- Peter Kay
Institutions
- Utilita Arena Birmingham
- West Midlands Police
- PA Media
- BBC
Locations
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom
- Golders Green
- London
- Northampton