Police arrest man on suspicion of fraud after security incident at European athletics championships

Police have made one arrest after a security incident caused transportation delays for fans and athletes leaving Alexander Stadium following Saturday night’s session at the European track-and-field championships in Birmingham, England

BIRMINGHAM, England -- Police have made one arrest after a security incident caused transportation delays for fans and athletes leaving Alexander Stadium following Saturday night’s session at the European track-and-field championships in Birmingham.

Medal ceremonies were postponed to Sunday, when West Midlands Police said that a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of fraud. He remains in custody.

Police said in a statement 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 then led to delays to transport from the stadium for the wider 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.

“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.