PLAY was halted at the MrQ UK Championships this afternoon after a spectator was taken ill in the crowd at the York Barbican.

The spectator was taken ill at 2:25pm during the first round match between Judd Trump and Pang Janxu.

Trump led the frame 14-0, and the match two frames to one.

"There is a little problem with a member of the audience receiving some attention," said the BBC commentators.

"Let's hope the person is feeling okay, it may be the heat in the arena."

Both players were asked to leave the arena by the referee whilst medical attention was provided.

"A member of the audience has taken ill and is being attended to now," said BBC presenter Hazel Irvine as the footage cut back to her in the studio.

"There are a number of people in attendance, which is good to see."

Play will resume shortly. #UKChampionship | @mrqbingo https://t.co/EfWtV6rELK

TV guest, former UK and World Champion Shaun Murphy, said: "It can get very warm out there in the arena and you often find somebody who takes a little bit ill.

"Hopefully, they're okay and the players leaving the arena are doing the right thing."

The players returned to continue the match 10 minutes later.

It is the second incident to befell this year's event, with a fire forcing the evacuation of the venue in last night's evening session.