Man, 19, charged with bomb hoax after 'suspicious bag' panic at Peter Kay gig

A 19-year-old man has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax after Friday night's evacuation at a Peter Kay gig.

Omar Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been remanded in custody and will appear before magistrates in Birmingham on May 4, West Midlands Police said.

Mr Kay was rushed off-stage and crowds were ordered to leave Birmingham's Utilita Arena after a "suspicious bag" was reported.

West Midlands Police later confirmed "nothing suspicious" had actually been discovered.

The force said: “An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area.

“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

“As always our priority is the safety of the public.”

On Friday night, audience members told GB News how the comedian was taken off the stage, and crowds were told to evacuate.

"It was so funny. Just a brilliant night - we were having such fun. And then all of a sudden... we were just told to evacuate. We didn't know what was going on," one said.

While fellow gig-goer Steve Aspinall told PA: "To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first.

"It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really what was happening.

"But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic."

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The Utilita Arena itself said Saturday night's Peter Kay performance would be going ahead as planned.

"West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place," the venue confirmed.

The statement added: “We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which ensured a swift and safe evacuation.

“Ticket holders for yesterday’s Peter Kay performance will be contacted with the next steps from their original point of purchase.

“At Utilita Arena Birmingham, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our first priority.

“Our security measures include several overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing.

“Our Evolv security system uses advanced sensors and AI technology to screen everyone and their bags as they enter the arena, helping security teams identify potential threats quickly and accurately, supported by additional bag searches as required.”