Transport was suspended for athletes, fans and staff at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham after a man was found in the stadium “with the wrong accreditation,” amid concerns about “suspicious activity.”
West Midlands Police said on Sunday this “led to delays to transport from the stadium for the wider public” on Saturday, adding there was “no immediate risk to the public.”
Medal ceremonies were postponed late on Saturday after the man was arrested on suspicion of fraud.
Tournament organizers said transport operations had returned to normal in the early hours of Sunday.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “A man was arrested following concerns of suspicious activity at the European Athletics Championship last night.
“At around 8.15pm, 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. This then led to delays to transport from the stadium for the wider public.
“A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of fraud and remains in custody for questioning.
“We understand the concern this may have caused and can confirm there was no immediate risk to the public.
“As always, our priority is the safety of the public and we want to thank everyone for the patience.”
The crowd at the Alexander Stadium appeared to be near its 23,000 capacity to watch Saturday’s evening session, which concluded with hosts Britain winning gold medals in the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays.
During the session, there was an announcement that the six medal ceremonies, scheduled to take place after the final event, had been postponed.
Outside, there was a heavy police presence and huge queues of people waiting for shuttle buses.
A statement from the event organizers 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 Midland’s Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of fraud.
“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 co-operation throughout the evening.
“Further information will be issued on Sunday relating to the evening’s postponed medal ceremonies.”
Spectators complained online about long delays and “little communication from anyone about the issue” on Saturday, while others reported seeing armed police.