A court appearance was made by a man who was accused of causing a bomb scare during a Peter Kay performance at Utilita Arena, Birmingham. The incident led to the evacuation of fans just under an hour into the show.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today, 19-year-old Omar Majed, from Washwood Heath, was refused bail after being charged with false communications related to a bomb hoax, as confirmed by West Midlands Police. The production crew informed the audience that the show had to be cut short without giving specific reasons.

Following searches at Utilita Arena, no suspicious items were found, according to a statement by the police. Majed remains in custody as investigations continue. He has been remanded to appear before magistrates on May 4.

The evacuation of the arena was ordered after reports of a suspicious bag, but no harmful items were discovered. The police expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and emphasized their commitment to public safety.

Witnesses described the evacuation as calm and swift, with attendees quickly leaving the venue. Peter Kay was reportedly informed on stage before being escorted off, creating an initially confusing atmosphere for the audience.

Utilita Arena Birmingham confirmed the evacuation was a precautionary measure following police advice due to the potential threat posed by a suspicious bag. The safety and security of customers and staff were prioritized with everyone safely evacuated from the venue.

Attendees shared their experiences of the incident, highlighting the efficient and orderly evacuation process. The investigation into the bomb hoax incident is ongoing, with the accused awaiting further legal proceedings.