Medal ceremonies delayed at European Athletics Championships as police make fraud arrest

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

Around 23,000 people had gathered to watch Saturday's evening session at the Alexander Stadium, which finished with Great Britain winning gold medals in the men's and women's 4x100m relays.

However, the six medal ceremonies, due to take place between 10pm and 11pm, were postponed.

Athletes including Britain's Amy Hunt and thousands of other people were then delayed from leaving for more than an hour.

The decision was taken after West Midlands Police arrested a man in his thirties on suspicion of fraud. He remains in custody for questioning.

Officers said concerns were initially raised after ​a man was found with the wrong accreditation.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: "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."

There was a heavy police presence outside the venue and huge queues of people left waiting for shuttle buses.

Birmingham 2026 earlier confirmed: "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."

One attendee, Susie Barnacle, wrote on X that she had been "waiting for nearly two hours to leave".

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Another user, Paul, posted shortly after midnight: "We are one of the last out of the pens.

"Been queuing since 10.15 with three kids who all needed the toilet. In the stadium has been good but the planning on getting out has been abysmal. There was little communication from anyone about the issue!"

The event's official X account later apologised "for the significant delays".

(c) Sky News 2026: Medal ceremonies delayed at European Athletics Championships as police make fraud arrest