Comedian Peter Kay was ‘bundled off stage’ during a gig in Birmingham on Friday, with police saying they had arrested a 19-year man after a ‘suspicious bag’ was found
Peter Kay fans were in shock last night when they were suddenly told to leave his gig. The much-loved comedian, 52, was ‘bundled off stage’ halfway through the show in Birmingham, with police saying they had arrested a 19-year man after a ‘suspicious bag’ was found.
The Phoenix Nights star was only 45 minutes into his performance at Birmingham‘s Utilita Arena when it was abruptly cut short and the audience were told to evacuate.
In a newly released video, gasps can be heard from the crowd as a member of the production teams tells them they need to leave immediately.
Picking up Peter’s microphone, which had been left on stage by the comedian, who was immediately ushered out of the arena when the alarm was raised, he says: “Ladies and gentleman, due to unforeseen circumstances we are going to have to stop the show. We’re going to put the house lights up and can you please follow the instructions given to you by the house staff.”
Understandably confused, an audience member can be heard asking: “What? Is this a joke?” as the crowd collectively sighs in disappointment. Meanwhile, another person says: “I saw them [security] coming up here with a torch”.
Members of the audience have since said they were given no explanation at the time of the evacuation. A member of the production team reportedly went on stage at around 8.45pm to inform the crowd that the show would not be continuing.
A 19-year-man has now been arrested and the area is being searched as a precaution, West Midlands Police confirmed. “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,” the force said.
Police have also given an update this morning after Peter was ushered off stage mid-performance and the audience was evacuated after a “bomb hoax”, saying ‘no suspicious items were found’.
While the actor has yet to speak out over the incident, a statement from West Midlands Police read: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night no items of a suspicious nature were found. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our enquiries continue.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”
After the evacuation, a 55-year-old Peter Kay fan said he was “scared stiff” as the situation unfolded.. “I was scared stiff, to be honest, because it was just so confusing,” he told BirminghamLive outside the arena following the sudden evacuation last night.
“I’m here with my missus. We’re just waiting for her family to pick us up now.”
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