Man, 19, arrested as Peter Kay gig evacuated and cops search arena - full police statement

West Midlands Police say they have arrested a 19-year-old man after they were forced to evacuate a Peter Kay gig at Birmingham's Utilita Arena

22:09, 01 May 2026Updated 23:10, 01 May 2026

[The Utilita Arena in Birmingham had to be evacuated]

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The Utilita Arena in Birmingham had to be evacuated(Image: @TRobinsonNewEra)

Police have made an arrest after Peter Kay's gig in Birmingham was evacuated only 45 minutes into the comedian's set when a "potentially suspicious bag" was found.

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." Officers are yet to confirm what the grounds were for the man's arrest.

Pictures show large number of police officers and vehicles around the venue as of 10.30pm. A Utililta Arena spokesperson said: "Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby."

[Police outside the venue in Birmingham]

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Police outside the venue in Birmingham(Image: Daily Mirror)

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Videos circulating on X show thousands of people standing up to leave the arena after being informed that the show had come to an end.

One user wrote on X: "Peter Kay was taken off stage before the end of his performance at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, and attendees have been asked to leave the building." Another said: "Peter Kay gig in Birmingham has been cancelled 45 minutes in. Peter Bundled off stage and the venue evacuated. Police on site. Stay safe, Birmingham."

Peter Kay is also scheduled to perform in Birmingham on Saturday night.

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