Man, 19, charged on suspicion of bomb hoax after Peter Kay gig evacuated in Birmingham area | EUROtoday

A young person has been charged with false communications regarding a bomb hoax after a Peter Kay gig was evacuated.

The present was stopped and the viewers evacuated at Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday evening after stories of a suspicious bag. The comic was additionally ushered off stage mid-performance.

Police stated on Saturday that no suspicions objects have been discovered.

Omar Majed, 19, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, was remanded in custody and can seem earlier than magistrates in Birmingham on Monday, West Midlands Police stated.

Kay’s present was halted after a “suspicious bag” was reported however West Midlands Police later stated “nothing suspicious was found” throughout searches.

In an replace on Saturday night, the pressure stated: “An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area.

“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

“As always our priority is the safety of the public.”

Doors opened at 6pm earlier than the present started round 8pm.

Witnesses stated two members of employees got here onto the stage about 45 minutes into the efficiency, whispered into Kay’s ear, after which escorted him off.

Footage on social media confirmed individuals queueing to depart their seats as a part of the evacuation. A video from exterior the venue confirmed police autos and flashing lights.

Steve Aspinall, who was on the gig along with his spouse, stated: “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 stated the viewers was informed to search for safety guards and hear out for any bulletins.

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

“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.”

In an announcement on X, the world stated the Peter Kay occasion on Saturday night would go forward as deliberate, including: “West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place.”

The assertion added: “We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which ensured 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.

“At Utilita Arena Birmingham, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our first priority.

“Our security measures include several overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing.

“Our Evolv security system uses advanced sensors and AI technology to screen everyone and their bags as they enter the arena, helping security teams identify potential threats quickly and accurately, supported by additional bag searches as required.”

The area, which may seat round 15,800 individuals, was internet hosting Mr Kay as a part of his newest tour throughout the UK and Ireland, with all income donated to 12 main most cancers charities.

The charities are: Children With Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Kidney Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, DKMS UK, Ovarian Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Anthony Nolan, The Brain Tumour Charity and Breast Cancer UK.

The comic stated final yr: “Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who’s been affected on that list, and I just hope people support it. Come to the shows. That’s why I’m here.”

Mr Kay turned a family identify following his early 2000s TV creation, Phoenix Nights. He has since starred in different sitcoms together with Peter Kay’s Car Share.