Police provided an update following an incident where comedian Peter Kay was abruptly removed from the stage during a show due to a bomb hoax, leading to the evacuation of the audience. Witnesses reported that two staff members approached Kay during the performance, whispered to him, and then escorted him off stage.
West Midlands Police disclosed that a 19-year-old man was detained after a potential suspicious bag prompted the halt of the show at Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday evening. However, the police later confirmed that no suspicious items were found during searches, and the teenager was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax and remains in custody as investigations continue.
In a statement, West Midlands Police expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and emphasized their commitment to public safety. Following the evacuation, a thorough search of the arena was conducted by the police. Attendee Steve Aspinall described the evacuation process, mentioning that security instructions were given, and initially, some thought it was part of the show.
Miranda Richardson, a pub landlady from Northampton, described the swift evacuation process after staff informed attendees about the situation involving a claimed abandoned bag. The evacuation was described as calm and efficient, with no signs of panic among the audience.
