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
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 in the latter stages of the evening session, leading to the arrest of a man in his thirties 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.’
Hunt will return to the stadium in Sunday in pursuit of a record-breaking fourth gold medal in the 4x100m mixed relay.