A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of fraud at the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium on Saturday evening, leading to delays in medal ceremonies and temporary suspension of transport services. The incident prompted a significant police presence and long queues for shuttle buses as spectators attempted to leave the venue.
Police Incident Halts Transport
Birmingham 2026, the event organisers, confirmed that transport operations returned to normal in the early hours of Sunday morning. A statement from Birmingham 2026 said: "Birmingham 2026 can confirm that transport operations have returned to normal following a police incident on Saturday evening. Championship transport was suspended until the necessary security measures had been carried out whilst West Midlands Police arrested a man in his thirties on suspicion of fraud."
The statement added: "The safety and wellbeing of our spectators, athletes, workforce and the wider Championships' family will always be our first priority. We recognise that the delays presented challenges for those affected and would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the evening. Further information will be issued on Sunday relating to the evening's postponed medal ceremonies."
Medal Ceremonies Postponed
A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed that a man in his 30s had been detained on suspicion of fraud and remained in custody for further questioning. The crowd at Alexander Stadium was close to its 23,000 capacity for Saturday's evening session, which concluded with Great Britain winning gold in both the men's and women's 4x100m relay events. During the event, an announcement was made that six medal ceremonies, scheduled between 10pm and 11pm, had been called off. The Press Association understands this decision was made in connection with the police incident.
Spectators Report Delays and Confusion
Outside the venue, a notably strong police presence was visible, with long queues of spectators waiting for shuttle buses. Alex Ridout posted on X: "Crazy queues for the shuttle bus after tonight's European Athletics Championships session. Definitely seems like something has gone on that has potentially caused blockages, with blue flashing lights seen on the main road outside Alexander Stadium."
Another user, Paul, posted shortly after midnight: "We are one of the last out of the pens. Been queuing since 10.15 with 3 kids who all needed the toilet. In the stadium has been good but the planning on getting out has been abysmal. There was little communication from anyone about the issue!"
Susie Barnacle wrote on X that she had been "waiting for nearly two hours to leave" and described "armed police at the buses", adding: "We were told precisely nothing!" A number of social media users reported being informed of a "security incident". Michele wrote on X: "What's happening at the Alexander Stadium? Police saying there's a security incident and hundreds of people waiting for buses."
An official statement on the event's X account, posted at 11:03pm, read: "We apologise for the significant delays in leaving the Alexander Stadium venue this evening. Buses and coaches will start to arrive and departures will begin to gradually take place. We thank you for your patience with this matter. Please listen to the instructions from the safety personnel and marshals who are there to support you."
The incident caused disruption but services resumed by Sunday morning. Further details on the postponed medal ceremonies are expected to be announced on Sunday.
