APeter Kayshow has beenevacuated mid-performanceafter authorities identified a potentially “suspicious bag” at the venue.
Witnesses said the comedian was taken off stage by security just 45 minutes into his show at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on Friday.
West Midland Police said they were searching the site after a 19-year-old man was taken into custody.
The force said in a statement: “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.”
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Doors opened at 6pm before the show began around 8pm. Footage on social media showed people queueing to leave their seats as part of the evacuation. A video from outside the venue showed police vehicles and flashing lights.
A spokesperson for the arena said that the evacuation was precautionary on advice of the force and ticket holders would be contacted in due course.
“Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby.
“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.”
The arena, which can seat around 15,800 people, was set to host Mr Kay as part of his latest tour across the UK and Ireland, with allprofits donated to 12 leading cancer charities, including Children with Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Mr Kay became a household name following his early 2000s TV creation,Phoenix Nights.He has since starred in other sitcoms includingPeter Kay’s Car Share.
