Teenager arrested after Peter Kay gig is evacuated over 'suspicious bag'
A teenager has been arrested after a Peter Kay gig was evacuated following the discovery of a 'suspicious bag'.
Thousands of fans were forced to leave the Utilita Arena in Birmingham this evening (1 May) just 45 minutes into the comedian's set.
In a video shared on social media, a member of staff can be heard telling fans that due to 'unforeseen circumstances' the show would have to come to an end, while others show thousands taking up from their seats to leave the concert.
According to one onlooker, Kay had to be 'dragged off stage' during the incident.
Advert
In a statement, Birmingham Police said a 19-year-old had been taken into custody in relation to the evacuation.
Being evacuated from the Peter Kay gig in Birmingham. No information as to why 🤷 pic.twitter.com/Vc5vG5pwzy
— Rob Knowles (@raknowles) May 1, 2026
The force said: "We are carrying out 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."
Bosses at the arena 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.
“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.”
#UPDATE | We are carrying out an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found.
— Birmingham Police (@BrumPolice) May 1, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/54zjZ0QqkH
The Phoenix Nights star is set to play the arena once again tomorrow night (2 May).
Speaking to the Sun, one fan said: “A man rushed through the arena’s doors and into a toilet.
“When security got him out he shouted: ‘I have a bag in there.’ He was shouting.”
The shocking scenes come after the national terror alert was raised to 'severe' - which means a terror attack is 'highly likely' - following the horrific incident at Golders Green in London on Wednesday (29 April), where two Jewish men were stabbed.
Essa Suleiman, 45, is accused of trying to kill his own friend before allegedly attacking Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76, in a violent rampage.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims involved and specialist officers continue to provide them with support as their recovery continues.
“We are determined to get justice for the victims and now that a person has been charged, I would urge everyone to avoid any further speculation in relation to this case so that justice can run its course.”
Dominic Smithers