A Peter Kay show has been evacuated mid-performance after 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.”
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 all profits donated to 12 leading cancer 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 comedian said last year: “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 became a household name following his early 2000s TV creation, Phoenix Nights. He has since starred in other sitcoms including Peter Kay’s Car Share.
