A teenager has been charged over a ‘bomb hoax’ that prompted the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Friday during a Peter Kay gig.
Omar Majed, 19, has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax, West Midlands Police has confirmed.
Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, was arrested on the scene and has been remanded to appear before Magistrates in Birmingham on May 4.
Mr Kay was ‘bundled off stage’ abruptly after 45 minutes into the performance, with the audience told to leave the venue.
On Friday there were reports that a ‘suspicious’ bag had been found in the vicinity of the 15,800-capacity venue.
Police confirmed on Saturday no suspicious items were recovered after a search of the site.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said on Saturday night: ‘A man has been charged in connection with the events which led to the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham last night.
‘Omar Majed, 19 has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax.
Police were outside the arena on Friday as a search was carried out, following the discovery of a ‘potentially suspicious bag’
The comedian was only 45 minutes into the performance, part of his ‘Better Late Than Never’ tour, when he was bundled off stage
‘Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been remanded to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on 4 May.
‘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.’
Police said on Saturday that no suspicious items were recovered after a search of the site.
Mr Kay was performing at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham as part of his ‘Better Late Than Never’ tour.
Shortly after the 8pm show began, the crowd was abruptly asked to leave with the comedian taken off stage.
Steve Aspinall, from Bideford, Devon, went to the gig with his wife, said he initially believed the evacuation was ‘part of the show at first’.
‘Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay, and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side,’ he said.
He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.
‘To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,’ he added. ‘It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.
