Man charged after bomb hoax at Peter Kay show

BBC News·May 4

Peter Kay bomb hoax accused removed from court during hearing

20 minutes agoCaroline GallBBC News, West MidlandsPAThe comedian rushed off stage during the show as thousands of people were forced to leave Birmingham's Utilita ArenaA 19-year-old charged over an alleged bomb hoax which led to the evacuation of a show by Peter Kay was removed from a magistrates court due to his outbursts during proceedings on Monday.Omar Majed, from Birmingham, gave no indication of plea to a charge of communicating false information to police and was remanded in custody at the city's magistrates' court.The court heard Majed "barged" his way into Birmingham's Utilita Arena without a ticket on Friday and allegedly indicated to a police constable and others that a bomb may have been left at the venue.Majed, from Saltley, was removed part-way during the hearing. He is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 1 June.Thousands of fans had to be evacuated from the premises and alleged hoax had "serious repercussions" at an event with an expected crowd of almost 13,000 people, prosecutor Ros Buttler told the court.The charge against Majed alleges that he communicated to a police officer and others information, which he knew or believed to be false, that a bomb was present in the arena.During

The Guardian·May 2

Man charged over bomb hoax after Peter Kay show evacuated

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.“Omar Majed, 19, has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax,” a police spokesperson said. “Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been remanded to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on 4 May.“An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area.“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their cooperation and understanding,” the spokesperson added. “As always our priority is the safety of the public.”Audience members reported that Kay was pulled from the stage about 45 minutes into his performance, and the crowd were asked to leave the venue without being told what was happening.Steve Aspinall, who was at the show with his wife,