BBC Radio 1Xtra Birmingham live concert stopped after man slashed backstage

‘Isolated serious incident’ halts show

BBC Radio 1Xtra’s live event at Arena Birmingham was halted on Saturday night after a man suffered a “slash injury” backstage, police and the corporation have said.

The broadcaster said an “isolated serious incident” had forced it to put a stop to the sold-out event.

Artists on the bill included Manchester’s Aitch; Wizkid, from Nigeria; DaniLeigh; and Birmingham acts Lotto Boyzs, Preditah and Lady Leshurr.

Statements from West Midlands Police and the BBC followed unsubstantiated rumours on social media that a rapper had been stabbed.

Radio 1 said: “We’re sorry to everyone who attended 1Xtra Live in Birmingham for the early finish, however the health and safety of everyone involved is always our top priority.

“We are upset and saddened that something like this should happen to a guest at one of our events and we remain in close contact and continue to offer our full support.”

West Midlands Police said in a statement: “Security alerted police to an assault which took place in the backstage area at 10pm on Saturday.

“It’s understood that a man sustained a slash wound during the assault. He was treated by on-site medical staff and did not require hospital treatment.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20BW/236014J/19.