The UK Athletics Indoor Championships at Birmingham's Utilita Arena faced a one-hour delay on Saturday morning after a kitchen fryer fire forced the evacuation of athletes and spectators.
Three crews from West Midlands Fire Service responded to reports of smoke at the venue, where hundreds of athletes had gathered for the prestigious indoor athletics event.
No injuries were reported in the incident, which disrupted the start of the two-day championships featuring some of Britain's top track and field stars.
West Midlands Fire Service crews were called to the scene on King Edward's Road at 9:14am after athletes reported smoke rising from the building.
The Utilita Arena was evacuated after a fire broke out on Saturday morning
PA
Former Olympian Katharine Merry documented the incident on social media, posting: "Not made it into the Utilita Arena yet.
"It's been fully evacuated due to a fire. Fire brigade here and smoke coming from the top floor."
The fire originated from a fryer in one of the arena's kitchens, with emergency crews quickly bringing the situation under control.
Merry later updated followers about the situation, writing: "The British Indoor Champs will be going ahead today after a fire in a kitchen. Just now need to clear the water."
In comments to ITV News Central, she added: "Fire brigade now left and water being cleared up.
"Delay to the athletics but British indoor champs due to go ahead today with everything just delayed."
The evacuation prompted organisers to implement contingency plans to ensure the event could proceed safely.
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Katarina Thompson-Johnson is taking part in the indoors event on Saturday
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British Athletics confirmed in a statement: "The start of the 2025 Microplus UK Athletics Indoor Championships has been delayed by one hour, following an incident that required the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham this morning."
The organisation added that the delay would "give athletes, officials and spectators adequate time to prepare for the day's events."
Saturday's schedule is now set to begin at 12:25, with organisers confirming there is currently no expected delay to Sunday's timetable.
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The championships serve as British trials for next month's European Athletics Indoor Championships in the Netherlands.
Olympic heptathlon silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson is among the star athletes competing this weekend, set to participate in the 60m hurdles and shot put events.
Laura Muir and Georgia Hunter Bell are also featured in the competition, with Hunter Bell aiming to defend her British indoor 1500m title.
