Boy, 14, spoken to by cops after ‘hoax’ threat to Qatar Airways plane flying into UK airport sparking RAF intercept

A TEENAGER has been spoken to by cops after a hoax threat was made to a Qatar Airways plane heading to a major UK airport. Two RAF jets were scrambled to escort the aircraft into Manchester Airport last night. Cops responded to a report from the National Air Traffic Services on July 24 Credit: Alamy The boy, 14 from the Bolton area, was not on the plane and is reportedly assisting officers with their enquiries. Cops responded to a report from the National Air Traffic Services on July 24 at 6pm of a threat made to a Qatar Airways aircraft heading to Manchester Airport. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The RAF have confirmed two Typhoon jets were sent from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to escort the aircraft and ensure the safety of those on board. The fighter jets intercepted the Boeing 777 over Nottingham. The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport and there was no threat to passengers or crew. Chief Inspector Gary Homa of Operation 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. Most read in The Sun “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.” In a statement, Qatar Airways said: “Qatar Airways confirms that, as a precautionary measure and in line with standard procedure, flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester was provided with an escort for part of its journey prior to landing following a security notification from UK authorities. “At no point was the aircraft in any danger, and normal operations continued on board throughout. “The flight landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We thank our passengers for their understanding.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.