Man accused of perjury after Peter Kay show canceled | Peter Kay

A man has been charged with forgery after actor Peter Kay in Birmingham was stopped when a “suspicious bag” was found on the premises.

Utilita Arena Birmingham was evacuated and a 19-year-old man was arrested, West Midlands Police said on Friday evening.

On Saturday, the force said: “A man has been charged in relation to the incident which led to the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham last night.

“Omar Majed, 19, has been charged with making false statements about the bomb,” a police spokesman said. “Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been remanded in custody to appear before Birmingham magistrates on May 4.

“We ordered people to leave the stadium yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag that was left in the area.

“Following the search, nothing suspicious has been found and we thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding,” added the spokesperson. “As always our priority is public safety.”

Audience members said that Kay was removed from the stage about 45 minutes into her performance, and the crowd was asked to leave the venue without being told what was going on.

Steve Aspinall, who was at the show with his wife, told the Press Association: “Two guys came in – one with a microphone and headphones. One guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot each other.”

He said the audience was told to watch the guards and listen for any announcements.

“Honestly, I thought it was part of the show at first,” Aspinall said.

Miranda Richardson, 52, a publican from Northampton, said: “It was very fast. One minute (Kay) is on stage and the gig is good, then two of the event team walk on stage towards him, a quick word and he is out.”

The arena said on Friday: “The Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a suspicious bag was found nearby.

“The safety and security of our customers and partners is of the utmost importance. We can confirm that everyone has been safely evacuated and that the premises are safe.”

The site said ticket holders have been contacted.