Update on next Peter Kay show in Birmingham after bomb hoax

The comedian had to be ushered off stage just 45 minutes into his show at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on the evening of Friday May 1 after a “potentially suspicious bag” was found.

A full evacuation took place and West Midlands Police has confirmed that a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax.

The Utilita Arena has now confirmed that tonight’s Peter Kay show at the same venue will go ahead as planned.

The venue had to be evacuated (Image: Social Media)

A statement said: “Following the precautionary evacuation of Utilita Arena Birmingham during Peter Kay’s performance last night, Friday May 1, we can confirm that tonight’s Peter Kay event, Saturday May 2, will go ahead as planned.

“Following an extensive search by West Midlands Police, no items of a suspicious nature were found, and the building was determined to be safe.

Officers outside the venue (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)

“West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place.

“We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which secured a swift and safe evacuation.

“Ticket holders for yesterday’s Peter Kay performance will be contacted with the next steps from their original point of purchase.”

The venue was packed last night (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)

Witnesses said two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into the Bolton born comedian’s ear, and then escorted him off.

In an update on Saturday morning, a West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night, no items of a suspicious nature were found.

Police were called (Image: Steve Aspinall/PA Wire)

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our inquiries continue.

“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”

Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “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.”

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.”