Peter Kay gig evacuated

'Suspicious bag' found at Birmingham Arena

Peter Kay’s gig in Birmingham was evacuated tonight because of a security scare.

The comedian was bundled off stage 45 minutes into his Better Late Than Never tour show at Utilita Arena and the audience of up to 15,800 fans asked to leave.

Police said a 19-year-old man is being held after a 'suspicious' bag was found.

They 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.’

A Peter Kay show in Birmingham has been stopped after West Midlands Police say a 'potential suspicious bag' was found at the Utilita Arena.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested, and the area is being searched as a precaution.

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A video shared on social media showed the moment an announcer went on stage and asked people to leave.

He said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are going to have to stop the show. So, we're going to put the house lights up and can you please follow the instructions given to you from the house staff, stewards and security. Thank you.'

Members of the audience can then be heard saying: 'What? Is this a joke?'

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Many punters took to social media to applad the response. One said: 'I couldn't praise [police and venue staff] enough for how efficient[ly] they got me and 11,000 people out and away from that building within a matter of minutes.'

Another posted: 'The staff were brilliant. As were the punters. All left in a calm and orderly manner. It was eerily quiet as we were leaving.'

The venue issued a statement confirming the discovery of a ‘potential suspicious bag’ nearby, adding: ‘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.’

Images from the scene show several police cars in the area and officers patrolling the perimeter.

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