Police arrested a man on suspicion of fraud after a security incident caused transport delays at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
A security incident on Saturday evening caused transport delays for fans and athletes leaving Alexander Stadium after the session. West Midlands Police said a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of fraud and remains in custody.
In a statement, police said that around 8:15 p.m. Saturday "concerns were raised after a man was found in an area of Alexander Stadium with the wrong accreditation." "As a precaution, security measures were put in place and transport for the championship staff and athletes were suspended," the statement said. This led to delays to transport from the stadium for the wider public.
Police said there was "no immediate risk to the public." Fans had waited in long lines while transport was suspended. Just past 11 p.m. Saturday, organizers posted an apology on social media for "significant delays" and that bus service would "gradually begin to take place."
"The safety and wellbeing of our spectators, athletes, workforce and the wider championships family will always be our first priority," Birmingham 2026 said in a statement. The stadium is located outside the city center.
"We recognize that the delays presented challenges for those affected and would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the evening," organizers said.