Tattoo show scrapped after violence threat

A tattoo convention which was due to be held at Birmingham's NEC for the first time in its 15-year history has been scrapped by the venue's bosses following police fears that it would spark violence.

The Ink and Iron Tattoo Convention and Custom Show was to feature some of the world's leading tattoo artists plus cars and motorbikes. But a statement on the Ink and Iron website says that it is with "deep regret" that the show, which was due to start next week, has been cancelled.

It said: "This is due to some recently received information from West Midlands Police that the show had been targeted for some sort of disturbance and that there was a risk of violence taking place at the show.

"Based on this information the NEC has decided to cancel the show to protect the safety of everyone involved."West Midlands police spokeswoman Catherine Preece confirmed today that officers had advised the NEC to cancel the show after receiving information that a disturbance had been planned.

She said: "We advised the NEC that there was a potential public safety issue. I'm not prepared to say what that is."

The show is the UK's longest running tattoo convention. It was due to take place at the NEC on April 12 and 13 and it was believed the move to the venue would increase the number of artists and trade stalls.

Among the attractions booked to appear were customised cars, trikes, bikes and scooters and Custom Streetfighter bikes as well as some of the world's leading tattoo artists.

A statement from the NEC Group said the decision to cancel the show was taken to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Anyone who has a ticket or booked a stand should contact their point of sale for a refund.