Lancashire man charged over Stansted Airport bomb hoax

by Lauren Riley. Published Sun 19 Feb 2012 14:18

A Blackburn man appeared in magistrates court yesterday after being charged with making a hoax bomb threat to Stansted Airport.

Paul Jackson, 40, of Infirmary Street, was arrested on Friday with another man after a call was made to police suggesting a van with a bomb in was making its way to the Essex airport.

Counter-terrorism officers raided two homes in Infirmary Street and were searching the houses for several hours.

Jackson's case was adjourned to a hearing at crown court.

He is charged with making a false communication and the other man has been released without charge.

Police said patrols were stepped up at the airport as a result of the hoax call.

A spokesman for the airport said: "Patrols were increased on Friday morning at Stansted Airport following information received by police from another force.

"This was precautionary and in line with established practice.

"The airport remained open and operated as normal."