Medal ceremonies delayed at European Athletics Championships in Birmingham due to arrest

Medal ceremonies at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham were postponed after a man was arrested on suspicion of fraud.

West Midlands Police said concerns were raised after a man was found in an area of Alexander Stadium on Saturday evening without the right accreditation.

Transport at the tournament was suspended as a result of the arrest and necessary security procedures.

Members of the crowd reported being held outside by security staff for more than an hour after the event finished, with a large police presence at the scene.

The evening session concluded with Great Britain winning a pair of gold medals in the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays.

Tournament organisers said transport was suspended while the necessary security measures took place, but operations had returned to normal in the early hours of Sunday.

A statement from Birmingham 2026 said: “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.”

More information relating to the postponed medal ceremonies is due to be released later.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said a man in his 30s remained in custody for questioning.

The crowd at the Alexander Stadium appeared to be near its 23,000 capacity.

At one point during the session, there was an announcement that the six medal ceremonies, scheduled to take place after the final event between 22:00 and 23:00 BST were cancelled, understood to be in relation to the police incident.

People posted on social media, reporting “crazy queues” for the shuttle bus and blue flashing lights on the main road outside the stadium.

A statement on the event’s official account, posted on X at 23:03, said: “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.”