Peter Kay Show Evacuated After Suspicious Bag Prompts Police Investigation

Key facts

• Peter Kay's show at Birmingham's Utilita Arena was evacuated on Friday night.
• West Midlands Police investigated a 'potential suspicious bag' at the venue.
• A 19-year-old man is in custody in connection with the incident.
• The comedian was 45 minutes into his performance when the show was cut short.
• Audience member Steve Aspinall saw two men approach the stage and whisper to Kay.
• The Utilita Arena confirmed everyone was safely evacuated and the venue is secure.
• Videos on social media showed crowds heading for the exits.

Evacuation at the Utilita Arena

A Peter Kay concert at Birmingham's Utilita Arena was abruptly halted on of a suspicious bag. The venue was evacuated, and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody, West Midlands Police confirmed. The Utilita Arena issued a statement saying that 'everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure.'

The Moment the Show Stopped

The comedian was approximately 45 minutes into his performance when the show was cut short. Audience member Steve Aspinall told PA Media that two men walked onto the stage and one whispered to Kay. The comedian then 'shot off down the side [of the stage],' Aspinall said. The audience was instructed to look for security guards and listen for announcements.

Audience Reaction and Evacuation

Aspinall initially thought the interruption was part of the show. 'It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really [about] what was happening,' he said. 'But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.' Another attendee, Northampton pub landlady Miranda Richardson, said staff told the crowd that 'due to unforeseen circumstances we all have to evacuate the arena straight away.' She described the evacuation as 'calm and swift,' adding that staff 'helped get people out.'

Police Investigation and Custody

West Midlands Police launched an investigation into a 'potential suspicious bag' at the venue. A 19-year-old man remains in custody as inquiries continue. Videos shared on social media showed crowds at the venue heading for the exits, but no injuries or panic were reported.

Context and Security Measures

The incident occurred amid heightened security awareness at public events across the UK. The Utilita Arena, a major entertainment venue in Birmingham, regularly hosts large concerts and shows. The swift evacuation and police response reflect established protocols for such situations.

Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation

Police have not released further details about the suspicious bag or the individual in custody. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely to review CCTV footage and witness statements. The venue has not announced whether the show will be rescheduled.

The bottom line

• A Peter Kay show in Birmingham was evacuated due to a suspicious bag, leading to a police investigation.
• A 19-year-old man is in custody; no injuries reported.
• The evacuation was calm and orderly, with staff guiding attendees to exits.
• The comedian was 45 minutes into his set when the show was halted.
• Social media videos captured crowds leaving the venue.