West Midlands Police have confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old man following the evacuation of a Peter Kay concert at Birmingham's Utilita Arena. The show was halted just 45 minutes in after a potentially suspicious bag was discovered.
Police Statement on the Incident
In an official statement, West Midlands Police said: "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."
The arena was cleared as a safety measure, with attendees instructed to leave the premises calmly. The incident occurred on the evening of May 1, 2026, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and security teams.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the suspicious item or the specific charges the suspect may face. The search of the venue is ongoing, and police have urged the public to avoid the area while operations continue. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
