Peter Kay show evacuated after 'suspicious bag' found

BBC

A show by comedian Peter Kay in Birmingham has been evacuated and the venue searched after what police described as a "potential suspicious bag" was found.

West Midlands Police said that a 19-year-old man is in custody.

A statement from the Utilita Arena said "everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure".

The comedian was about 45 minutes into his Friday night show when it was cut short, according to a BBC reporter in the audience.

Kay left the stage as part of the evacuation.

Videos shared on social media showed crowds at the venue heading for the exits.

"The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority", the venue said in a post on X.

"Ticket holders will be contacted directly in due course", it added.

Kay is due to perform at the arena again on Saturday 2 May.

On Thursday, the UK's terror threat was lifted from "substantial" to "severe" for the first time in more than four years, following the stabbing of two Jewish men in London's Golders Green on Wednesday.

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