Teenager arrested on suspicion of bomb hoax after Peter Kay gig evacuated

A teenager has been taken into custody on suspicion of perpetrating a bomb hoax after Peter Kay's performance at Birmingham's Utilita Arena was abruptly halted on Friday evening.

The popular comedian was hurriedly escorted off stage while audience members were instructed to evacuate the venue following the discovery of what officers initially believed to be a suspicious package.

West Midlands Police confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old man in connection with the incident, which caused significant disruption to the sold-out show.

The suspect was detained after the bag prompted emergency protocols to be activated at the arena.

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Officers conducted a thorough examination of the premises overnight and determined that no items of concern were present at the venue.

The young man apprehended in connection with the hoax remains in police custody this morning while detectives continue their investigation into the incident.

In a statement released on Saturday, West Midlands Police said: "We're grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public."

The force thanked concertgoers and staff for their patience during what proved to be a disruptive evening at one of Birmingham's largest entertainment venues.

Eyewitnesses said two staff members walked onto the stage 45 minutes into the show and whispered into Mr Kay's ear before he was hurriedly ushered into the wings.

On Friday, a spokesman for the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) said: "Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby.

"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."

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Reports from multiple attendees suggest police were visible within the arena, with footage showing thousands of attendees leaving the 15,000-capacity venue.

The venue was then cleared, with fans directed to exit the building.

As the dramatic scenes unfolded last night, one audience member told GB News outside the arena crowds "didn't know what was going on".

But she added: "It was very, very calm - and very slow, actually. So there was no panic."

Meanwhile, another attendee 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," he told Sky News.

Friday's performance formed part of the comedian's current national tour, with all proceeds from the shows designated for donation to 12 leading cancer charities.

Mr Kay is currently scheduled to take to the stage at the same Birmingham venue this evening - although authorities are yet to confirm whether the show will continue as planned.

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