Police said “no items of a suspicious nature were found” after comedian Peter Kay was ushered off stage mid-performance and the audience at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham was evacuated on Friday night.
A 19-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence, remains in custody, West Midlands Police said.
The comedian’s show was halted after a “potential suspicious bag” was found.
In an update on Saturday morning, police said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night, no items of a suspicious nature were found.
“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our inquiries continue.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”
Witnesses said two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into Kay’s ear, and then escorted him off.
Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “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 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,” Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon, said.
“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.
“But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”
In a statement on X, Utilita Arena Birmingham said the Peter Kay event on Saturday evening will go ahead as planned.
The venue said: “Following the precautionary evacuation of Utilita Arena Birmingham during Peter Kay’s performance last night, Friday 1st May, we can confirm that tonight’s Peter Kay event, Saturday 2nd May, at Utilita Arena Birmingham will go ahead as planned.
“Following an extensive search by West Midlands Police, no items of a suspicious nature were found, and the building was determined to be safe.
“West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place.”
The arena added: “We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which ensured a swift and safe evacuation.
“Ticket holders for yesterday’s Peter Kay performance will be contacted with the next steps from their original point of purchase.
“At Utilita Arena Birmingham, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our first priority.
“Our security measures include several overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing.
“Our Evolv security system uses advanced sensors and AI technology to screen everyone and their bags as they enter the arena, helping security teams identify potential threats quickly and accurately, supported by additional bag searches as required.”
