Sheffield bomb hoax man jailed after 32-hour city centre siege
A Sheffield man who falsely claimed he had explosives and firearms, triggering a 32-hour police operation and the evacuation of a city centre apartment block, has been jailed.
On February 10, 2025, police responded to an emergency call from a woman who had left her property on Broad Street due to Yaqub Younis, 49, of Broad Street, Sheffield, making these violent threats.
Officers attended, and worked with partner agencies throughout the incident to ensure that members of the public were safely evacuated.
Specialist negotiators were deployed to the scene at the Gateway flats, alongside armed response officers.
The court heard how Younis threatened to harm people using a grenade, explosives, and other weapons from his flat.
He also claimed that he had a number of guns, and refused to leave his home during the 32-hour incident.
Younis’ actions caused disruption to the city of Sheffield, as residents of the Gateway building were evacuated, some roads were closed, and public transport was delayed.
Younis was arrested in the early hours of 12 February and officers confirmed that Younis did not have any explosives or firearms in his possession.
He was charged with bomb hoax, intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance, affray, and criminal damage to property valued over £5,000.
During a police interview, Younis confirmed that he had falsely told a neighbour that he had firearms and explosives so that the building would be evacuated.
Younis pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty on all charges by a jury following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on June 22, 2026.
He was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing on Thursday (Jul 2), where he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Stephanie Phoenix, who oversaw the investigation alongside OIC Detective Constable Chloe Kirk said:“The bomb hoax carried out by Younis caused disruption for many innocent people in the city, especially those who were evacuated for their safety.
“Threats like those Younis made must be taken seriously, and I am very proud of the officers who attended the scene and negotiated Younis safely out of his property.
“When our officers were standing on the other side of Younis’ front door, they did not know that his claim to be in possession of explosives and firearms was a bluff. But they acted with calm professionalism to safely resolve a complex incident.
“There is no excuse for the disruption and anxiety that Younis caused, and I am glad that he is now behind bars."