Peter Kay gig evacuated after ‘potential suspicious bag found’

Birmingham Police wrote on X that the Utilita Arena in Birmingham was evacuated on Friday evening.

A 19-year-old man is in custody and the venue is being searched, the force added.

(Warning the video contains swear words)

The Bolton comedian had been performing at the venue on Friday evening as part of his nationwide tour, which will bring him to the Albert Halls this summer, where tickets sold out in record time.

Packed house for Peter Kay gig (Image: X)

A spokesperson for the NEC (National Exhibition Centre), which owns the venue, 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.

Handout photo taken with permission from the X social media site of Steve Aspinall of police at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham (Image: Steve Aspinall)

“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.”

Handout photo taken with permission from the X social media site of Steve Aspinall of police at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham w (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)

Miranda Richardson, 52, a pub landlady from Northampton, who attended Peter Kay’s gig, said the comic was on stage for 45 minutes before two members of staff came on, one of whom spoke into his ear.

She said: “It was very swift.

“One minute (Peter Kay’s) on stage and the gig is great, then two of the event team walk on stage straight to him, quick word and he’s ushered off.

“The staff tells us due to unforeseen circumstances we all have to evacuate the arena straight away.

“Staff helped get people out and it was calm and swift. We heard very quickly someone had claimed a bag had been left somewhere.

“No messing, it was just all out.”

Steve Aspinall went to the gig with his wife and told the Press Association two men came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the show.

“Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side,” Mr Aspinall said.

He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.

“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,” Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon, 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.”

The evacuation of the arena comes after the threat level has increased from substantial to severe.

The level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5).