Teen given final warning for bomb hoax call (From Croydon Guardian)

Teenager arrested and giving final warning for East Croydon bomb hoax call

11:38am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Local news

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and given a final warning after making a bomb hoax call close to East Croydon station.

British Transport Police (BTP) released CCTV images of two people they wanted to identify in connection with the incident, which took place on May 4, at around 5.45pm.

The appeal was successful and officers attended the teenager's home on June 14, where he admitted committing the offence after being dared by his companion to call 999 and say there was a bomb.

The boy was issued with a final warning after showing remorse, and accepting how dangerous his phone call was."

Detective Constable Ostin Elkins, based at Croydon BTP station on Addiscombe Road, said: "Police call handlers received a call from a phone box just outside the station, with the caller stating they had a bomb.

"Specially- trained officers quickly responded and attended and carried out a full search, with the station and surrounding area declared clear shortly after.

"BTP has a tried and tested system in place for dealing with hoaxes so as to cause minimum disruption whilst ensuring the safety of members of the public and rail staff.

"Hoaxers waste considerable police time and divert out much-needed resources from other duties."