Bolton boy identified after hoax threat to Manchester Airport aircraft

RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Lincolnshire on Friday to intercept the Qatar Airways flight in response, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a report from the National Air Traffic Services at around 6pm on Friday (July 24) relating to a threat made towards an aircraft travelling to Manchester Airport.

Working alongside partners, including the Royal Air Force and airport authorities, officers deployed the necessary resources to ensure the safety of the aircraft and everyone on board.

The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport and there was no threat to passengers or crew.

Following enquiries, officers established that the report was a hoax.

The 14-year-old boy, who was not on board the flight, has been identified and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Chief Inspector Gary Homa of the Airport Policing Unit at Manchester Airport said: “This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“The safety of the public is always our top priority and every report of this nature is treated extremely seriously.

“Hoax calls can cause significant disruption, divert vital emergency service resources and create unnecessary concern for passengers, crew and the wider public.

“Thankfully, this incident concluded safely, but making false reports is not a prank and can have serious consequences.

“We will always investigate incidents of this kind thoroughly and take robust action where offences have been committed.”