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Man charged over bomb hoax after Peter Kay show evacuated
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Man charged over bomb hoax after Peter Kay show evacuated

The Guardian · May 2, 2026, 10:06 PM · Also reported by 3 other sources

Key takeaways

  • A man has been charged over a bomb hoax after a live show by comedian Peter Kay in Birmingham was stopped when a “potentially suspicious bag” was found around the venue.
  • The Utilita Arena Birmingham was evacuated and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody, West Midlands police said on Friday evening.
  • On Saturday, the force said: “A man has been charged in connection with the events which led to the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham last night.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Audience members said the show in Birmingham was stopped about 45 minutes into Kay’s performance Photograph: Suzan Moore/Alamy View image in fullscreen Audience members said the show in Birmingham was stopped about 45 minutes into Kay’s performance Photograph: Suzan Moore/Alamy Peter Kay Man charged over bomb hoax after Peter Kay show evacuated Arena in Birmingham cleared after report of suspicious bag, with comedian pulled from stage mid-performance

Prefer the Guardian on Google. A man has been charged over a bomb hoax after a live show by comedian Peter Kay in Birmingham was stopped when a “potentially suspicious bag” was found around the venue.

The Utilita Arena Birmingham was evacuated and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody, West Midlands police said on Friday evening.

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