Bomb threat hoaxer told police 14 bombs were planted at Blackpool North station

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 3rd Feb 2023, 15:02 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2023, 17:38 BST
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A man called police and told them he had planted boxes of explosives under trains at Blackpool North station.

Ian Greening, 54, of High Street, Blackpool admitted making the hoax call on September 22 last year.

Police were called to the station and searched the premises with rail staff who also examined CCTV.

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None of the 14 bombs which Greening claimed to have planted on the tracks were found, but the station was briefly evacuated whilst police investigated.

Ian Greening, 54, of High Street, Blackpool admitted making the hoax call on September 22 last year. The train station was briefly evacuated whilst police responded to the threatIan Greening, 54, of High Street, Blackpool admitted making the hoax call on September 22 last year. The train station was briefly evacuated whilst police responded to the threat
Ian Greening, 54, of High Street, Blackpool admitted making the hoax call on September 22 last year. The train station was briefly evacuated whilst police responded to the threat
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Greening explained the bizarre motive behind the stunt when he appeared before District Judge Andrew Teate at Blackpool Magistrates Court today (Friday, February 3).

He told the judge that the bomb scare was an attempt to get rid of a friend who he no longer wanted staying at his home.

Greening said he was given a mobile phone by the friend and, growing sick of his company, decided he would use the phone to make the hoax call.

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The hoax called warned of 14 bombs planted beneath trains at Blackpool North station on September 22, 2022The hoax called warned of 14 bombs planted beneath trains at Blackpool North station on September 22, 2022
The hoax called warned of 14 bombs planted beneath trains at Blackpool North station on September 22, 2022

He had hoped the call would be traced back to his mate who would then find himself in trouble with the police.

The judge told him: “This was a stupid act which caused considerable worry and cost with areas being cordoned off.”

Greening was given a one year community punishment with twenty rehabilitation days and must pay £299 in compensation and costs.