A 14-year-old boy from Bolton is assisting Greater Manchester Police after a hoax threat prompted the Ministry of Defence to scramble RAF Typhoons to intercept a Qatar Airways flight bound for Manchester Airport on Friday.
For context: hoax threats against aircraft are treated as serious criminal offences in the UK. They trigger immediate multi-agency responses, including military interception, to ensure public safety.
RAF intercepts Qatar Airways flight following threat
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire at approximately 6:00 PM after National Air Traffic Services (NATS) received the threat. The aircraft, travelling from Doha to Manchester, was described as "causing concern to civil authorities" by an RAF spokesperson.
The flight landed safely at Manchester Airport at 7:45 PM, with Greater Manchester Police stating there was no actual threat to passengers or crew. The boy, who was not on board the aircraft, was identified through subsequent investigations.
Police condemn hoax as waste of emergency resources
Chief Inspector Gary Homa of Greater Manchester Police called the incident "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that such hoaxes divert critical emergency resources and create unnecessary public alarm. "The safety of the public is always our top priority, and every report of this nature is treated extremely seriously," he said.
Homa added that false reports can have serious legal consequences, noting that police will "take robust action where offences have been committed." The boy remains under investigation, though no charges have been formally announced.
What happens next in the investigation
Greater Manchester Police have not disclosed further details about the boy’s involvement or potential charges. Authorities continue to review evidence, including communications related to the hoax threat. The Ministry of Defence has not commented on whether similar incidents will prompt future RAF responses.
Readers should watch for updates from Greater Manchester Police or the Crown Prosecution Service regarding any formal charges or outcomes in the case.
