European Championships security scare keeps fans and athletes stuck at stadium

Athletes unable to reach hotels until after midnight

A general view during the men's 10,000m final during day six of the European Athletics Championships 2026 at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Dozens of athletes and thousands of spectators were caught up in a massive security operation involving armed police at the European Athletics Championships on Saturday night.

Buses were not allowed to leave the Alexander Stadium for well over an hour as police conducted searches, and athletes, officials and fans were kept in the dark as to what was going on.