A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of fraud following a security operation that caused significant disruption at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on
Saturday night.
West Midlands Police said the man remained in custody on Sunday after officers raised concerns when he was found carrying incorrect accreditation at Alexander Stadium.
The discovery prompted a security response, with police temporarily suspending transport for athletes and championship staff as a precaution. The measures subsequently affected thousands of spectators trying to leave the stadium after the evening session.
Several athletes, including British sprinter Amy Hunt, were reportedly among those caught up in delays, with some spectators waiting for more than an hour before they could leave the venue.
Police stressed that there had been no immediate threat to the public.
“Security measures were put in place” as a precaution after concerns were raised over the man's accreditation, the force said, adding that its priority remained public safety.
The disruption came after a dramatic evening of athletics in front of a near-capacity crowd of around 23,000. Britain claimed gold in both the men's and women's 4x100m relays, bringing the session to a successful sporting conclusion before the security incident overshadowed the departure of spectators.
The championships organisers later cancelled six medal ceremonies that had been due to take place following the final event.
In a statement on X, organisers apologised for the disruption and warned spectators that bus and coach services would resume departures gradually.
Transport arrangements were restored to normal in the early hours of Sunday.
“The safety and wellbeing of our spectators, athletes, workforce and the wider Championships' family will always be our first priority,” organisers said.
The incident has not affected Sunday's athletics programme. Hunt and her British teammates are scheduled to compete in the mixed sprint relay, with the 24-year-old aiming for a record fourth gold medal at the championships.
The investigation by West Midlands Police remains ongoing. Photo by Bearas, Wikimedia commons.
