Medal presentations at the European Athletics Championships were delayed on Saturday evening after West Midlands Police made an arrest. Transport services resumed in the early hours of Sunday following a 'police incident' that left spectators struggling to leave Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
Police arrest and transport suspension
Birmingham 2026 confirmed that transport operations returned to normal after the incident. Championship transport was suspended while security measures were carried out, and police arrested a man in his thirties on suspicion of fraud.
The statement read: "Birmingham 2026 can confirm that transport operations have returned to normal following a police incident on Saturday evening. Championship transport was suspended until the necessary security measures had been carried out whilst West Midlands Police arrested a man in his thirties on suspicion of fraud. The safety and wellbeing of our spectators, athletes, workforce and the wider Championships' family will always be our first priority."
A West Midlands Police spokesman verified that a man in his 30s was apprehended on suspicion of fraud and remained in custody for questioning.
Impact on spectators and ceremonies
The attendance at the Alexander Stadium appeared to be approaching its 23,000 capacity for Saturday's evening programme, which ended with Great Britain claiming double gold in the men's and women's 4x100m relays. Six medal ceremonies, scheduled between 10pm and 11pm, were cancelled, a decision understood to be linked to the police incident.
Outside, a substantial police presence was visible, with long queues for shuttle buses. Social media users reported delays and a lack of communication. One user posted: "Crazy queues for the shuttle bus after tonight's European Athletics Championships session. Definitely seems like something has gone on that has potentially caused blockages, with blue flashing lights seen on the main road outside Alexander Stadium."
Another user wrote: "We are one of the last out of the pens. Been queuing since 10.15 with 3 kids who all needed the toilet. In the stadium has been good but the planning on getting out has been abysmal. There was little communication from anyone about the issue!"
Official response and next steps
A statement on the event's official X account at 11:03pm apologised for the delays and said buses and coaches would begin arriving and departing gradually. It added: "Please listen to the instructions from the safety personnel and marshals who are there to support you."
Birmingham 2026 said further information would be issued on Sunday relating to the postponed medal ceremonies.
