TWO RAF jets escorted a plane to Manchester Airport following a hoax call.
RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Lincolnshire to intercept a Qatar Airways flight, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The jets took off from RAF Coningsby after a Quick Reaction Alert relating to a passenger plane that was travelling to Manchester Airport from Doha.
An RAF spokesman said: "We can confirm that an RAF Quick Reaction Alert was launched for a Qatar Airways flight which was causing concern to civil authorities.
"The incident was resolved and the airliner landed safely at Manchester Airport."
A 14-year-old boy has now been identified by police investigating the incident at 6pm on Friday evening, July 24.
National Air Traffic Services received the threat call and alerted the police.
The police worked with the RAF and airport authorities to ensure the safety of the aircraft and those on board.
The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport and there was no threat to passengers or crew.
Emergency ground services were put on standby as a standard precautionary measure but the plane taxied safely to its gate.
Following enquiries by Greater Manchester Police, the call was found to be a hoax.
A 14-year-old boy from the Bolton area, who was not on board the flight, has been identified and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
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.
"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."
