Police question boy, 14, over Manchester Airport aircraft hoax threat
A 14-year-old boy from Bolton is being questioned by police after making a hoax threat against a flight heading to Manchester Airport. The incident prompted the RAF to scramble fighter jets, though the aircraft landed safely without incident.
Why it matters
It underscores the severe security and resource consequences of hoax threats in aviation and the legal repercussions for minors involved in such acts.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The aircraft landed safely and there was no threat to passengers or crew
Police are investigating a hoax threat made by a 14-year-old boy to an aircraft heading to Manchester Airport.
NATS, the UK's air traffic control service, received the threat at about 18:00 BST on Friday, and police responded alongside the RAF and airport authorities.
RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Lincolnshire on Friday to intercept the Qatar Airways flight in response, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
The aircraft landed safely and there was no threat to passengers or crew, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.
The teenager from Bolton, who was not on the flight, has been identified and is "assisting officers with their inquiries", police said.
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