19-Year-Old Charged Over Arena Bomb Hoax

A 19-year-old man has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax after a suspicious bag report triggered the evacuation of Utilita Arena Birmingham during a Peter Kay performance on Friday evening.

The incident occurred about 45 minutes into the comedian's show, around 8:45 p.m., when Peter Kay was ushered offstage and thousands of attendees were ordered to leave. Audience members reported receiving no immediate explanation for the evacuation, with a production team member later announcing from the stage that the performance had ended early. West Midlands Police advised the evacuation as a precaution following the discovery of the bag in the area.

Officers conducted thorough searches of the venue, closing nearby canalside paths for safety. Photographs showed dozens of police examining the arena after concertgoers had exited calmly and swiftly. No suspicious items were found, allowing the venue to be declared secure.

West Midlands Police confirmed the charge against Omar Majed, from Washwood Heath in Birmingham. In a statement, the force said: "An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area....