Man, 21, arrested over bomb call that brought huge police response

A Leeds man has been arrested in relation to a hoax bomb report in Knaresborough.

The arrest follows the incident when an anonymous caller made a malicious bomb hoax regarding the Paragon Pizza takeaway, in High Street, Knaresborough, last
Wednesday.

The 21-year-old man was arrested by officers from North Yorkshire Police’s (NYP) Major Crime Unit, near the city, on Friday afternoon. He has been released on bail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The incident began when NYP and a neighbouring police force received information that there was an immediate threat to members of the public at the Knaresborough takeaway.

Police immediately responded and following extensive inquiries, officers established that the calls were in fact, malicious hoaxes.

High Street was closed for about four hours as armed officers descended on Knaresborough town centre, evacuating nearby properties and warning school children to stay inside.

Officers have thanked the staff and owners of Paragon Pizza for their co-operation during the incident, which is thought to 
have caused considerable distress.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier this week Ian Thompson, Chief Inspector for NYP’s Harrogate District, said it was unprecedented for the force to respond with such force to a call which turned out to be a hoax.

He added: “It shows how 
seriously we had to take this incident.”

Anyone who can assist the 
investigation should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or 101, selecting option 2, and asking for NYP’s Major Crime Unit.