Teen Charged with False Communications After Peter Kay Concert Bomb Hoax in Birmingham

A 19‑year‑old man has been charged with false communications after a bomb hoax forced the evacuation of Peter Kay’s show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. No explosives were found, but the incident disrupted the concert and led to a police investigation.

On Friday evening West Midlands Police received a report of a suspicious bag left near the arena’s entrance. As a precaution, the venue was evacuated while Peter Kay was midway through his performance. Audience members reported that the comedian was pulled from the stage about 45 minutes into the show and the crowd was asked to leave without being told the reason.

The arena’s staff coordinated with police to guide attendees out safely. The Utilita Arena regularly hosts events for tens of thousands of fans, making any evacuation a significant logistical effort.

Omar Majed, 19, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been charged with false communications relating to the bomb hoax. He was detained after the evacuation and remanded to appear before Birmingham magistrates on 4 May.

Police conducted a full search of the Utilita Arena, including the surrounding concourse, and confirmed that no suspicious items were located. The charge stems from allegations that Majed communicated false information about a bomb, prompting the evacuation.

False communications is an offence under the Criminal Law Act 1977, covering the transmission of false information likely to cause unnecessary police action or public alarm. A conviction can result in a fine, a community order, or imprisonment of up to six months.

The incident illustrates how an unverified claim can rapidly mobilise emergency services and disrupt large public gatherings. It also underscores the balance venues must strike between safety protocols and minimizing disruption to attendees.

Majed’s first court appearance on 4 May will indicate whether he enters a guilty plea or contests the charge. Observers will also watch for any additional statements from West Midlands Police regarding the investigation’s outcome.