Utilita Arena breaks silence after Peter Kay concert evacuated and police search arena
Peter Kay has been “bundled off stage” during a gig in Birmingham, with police evacuating the venue, which has a capacity of 15,800 people, after a “suspicious bag” was found
The Utilita Arena has issued a statement following the incident at tonight’s Peter Kay concert.
Peter Kay has been “bundled off stage” during a gig in Birmingham, with police evacuating the venue, which has a capacity of 15,800 people, after a “suspicious bag” was found. The comedian was just 45 minutes into his performance at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena when it was abruptly cut short.
A 19-year-man has been arrested and the area is being searched as a precaution, West Midlands Police confirmed.
Members of the audience said they were given no explanation at the time of the evacuation. A member of the production team reportedly went on stage at around 8.45pm to inform the crowd that the show would not be continuing.
A Utilita Arena spokesperson wrote: “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 that everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure. Ticket holders will be contacted directly in due course.”
The latest from West Midlands Police is: “We are assisting with an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found. A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search. We will provide further updates when we can.”
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