Amy Hunt and Team GB stars caught up in armed police drama after winning gold at the European Championships as man in his thirties is arrested
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By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI, CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER
Published: | Updated:
Amy Hunt and her gold medal-winning relay team-mates were caught up in a huge security operation that brought travel chaos to the European Championships in Birmingham on Saturday night.
Armed police arrived in significant numbers at the Alexander Stadium after a man in his thirties was spotted behaving suspiciously at around 8.15pm. He was later arrested on suspicion of fraud.
The episode caused the cancellation of six medal ceremonies inside the venue, with major disruptions erupting outside. Buses for spectators and hundreds of athletes and coaches, including the one carrying Hunt and the rest of the victorious 4x100m quartet, were delayed by up to two hours.
It is understood that police conducted searches on buses that were due to ferry competitors, staff and fans back to the city centre. As of Sunday morning, the individual arrested by West Midlands Police was still in custody.
Amy Hunt and her Team GB team-mates were held up during an armed police operation
Athletes and spectators faced travel chaos in Birmingham following Saturday night's action
A statement from championship organisers read: ‘Championship transport was suspended until the necessary security measures had been carried out whilst West Midlands Police arrested a man in his thirties 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 cooperation throughout the evening. Further information will be issued on Sunday relating to the evening’s postponed medal ceremonies.’
West Midlands Police 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.’
Hunt will return to the stadium in Sunday in pursuit of a record-breaking fourth gold medal in the 4x100m mixed relay.
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