Man Charged After Bomb Hoax at Peter Kay Show

A bomb hoax disrupted a performance by comedian Peter Kay at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Friday night, leading to a full evacuation and causing significant alarm among the audience. The incident, which occurred approximately 45 minutes into Kay's set, saw the comedian swiftly removed from the stage as authorities responded to a report of a suspicious bag. West Midlands Police were quick to respond, initiating searches of the venue.

“

Following searches, nothing suspicious was found.

Following a thorough investigation, police confirmed that no suspicious items were found, alleviating immediate safety concerns. A 19-year-old man, identified as Omar Majed from Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has since been charged with false communications. He is scheduled to appear before magistrates in the city on Monday. The police have expressed gratitude for the public's cooperation during the evacuation, emphasizing that the safety of attendees remains their utmost priority.

“

We are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

The Utilita Arena has since issued a statement confirming that Saturday's performance would proceed as planned, outlining the security measures in place to ensure the safety of patrons. Ticket holders are being advised on the next steps regarding their tickets through their original point of purchase. This incident, while ultimately a hoax, underscores the heightened security awareness and the swift response protocols in place at major public venues.

“

As always our priority is the safety of the public.