14-year-old from Bolton identified after hoax threat to Manchester-bound flight

A 14-year-old boy from the Bolton area has been identified by Greater Manchester Police after what the force says was a hoax threat made against an aircraft travelling to Manchester Airport.

Police and aviation authorities respond

Officers were called at about 6pm on Friday 24 July after National Air Traffic Services raised concerns about a report relating to a flight heading to Manchester. GMP worked alongside the Royal Air Force and airport operators to deploy resources and ensure the aircraft and everyone on board were safe.

The plane landed without incident and police confirmed there was no threat to passengers or crew. Following enquiries, detectives established the report was a hoax and identified the teenager, who was not on the flight, as assisting officers with their investigation.

“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,”

— Chief Inspector Gary Homa, Operations at Manchester Airport

Impact and consequences

Airport officials and police stressed the disruption such reports can cause, noting the potential diversion of emergency resources and the distress caused to travellers and staff. Chief Inspector Gary Homa warned that making false reports is not a prank and can have serious consequences for those involved.

• Incident reported to police at around 6pm on 24 July
• Aircraft landed safely; no injuries reported
• 14-year-old from the Bolton area identified and assisting enquiries

What happened — at a glance

Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police through the usual channels. Airport operators reiterated that safety is their paramount concern and that all such reports are treated with the utmost seriousness.