A man has been arrested and the area is being searched as a precaution.
“We are carrying out an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found,” West Midlands Police said.
“A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search.”
An audience member said on X that Kay had “been dragged off stage abruptly and we’ve all been hurried out”.
Jason Grinham, who was also at the show, posted: “Just been evacuated out the Utilitia Arena Birmingham and Peter Kay bundled off stage.”
Geoff Marston, from Kettering, said Kay was taken off by floor managers and the audience ushered away from the building towards the canal.
He said nearby roads were gridlocked and security staff wouldn’t tell them what happened.
The alert reportedly happened about 45 minutes into the show.
Arena bosses said the venue was evacuated on police advice “after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby”.
“The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority,” said a statement. “We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure.”
Kay is also scheduled to play at the 15,800-capacity arena on Saturday night.
All profits from his long-running hit tour are going to a range of cancer charities.
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