A 14-year-old boy is "assisting" police with their inquiries after a hoax threat was made to an aircraft heading to Manchester Airport. Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled to intercept a Qatar Airways flight heading to Manchester Airport from Doha on Friday night "following a security notification from UK authorities".

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) received the threat at around 6pm on Friday, with police, the RAF from a base in Lincolnshire, and airport authorities responding. The plane landed safely at 7.45pm and taxied to its gate without any incident, but emergency ground services were put on standby as a standard precautionary measure.

On Saturday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a 14-year-old boy from Bolton, in Greater Manchester - who was not on the flight - was assisting detectives with enquiries into a hoax threat.

Chief Inspector Gary Homa, of Operation at Manchester Airport, dubbed hoax calls such as this "completely unacceptable".

Ch Insp Gary Homa 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," he said.

"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."

In a statement, Qatar Airways confirmed that the flight was escorted for "part of the journey" by the RAF following a 'security notification from UK authorities.

A spokesperson said: "Qatar Airways confirms that, as a precautionary measure and in line with standard procedure, flight QR23 from Doha to Manchester was provided with an escort for part of its journey prior to landing following a security notification from UK authorities.

"At no point was the aircraft in any danger, and normal operations continued on board throughout.

"The flight landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident.

"The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We thank our passengers for their understanding."

Police have not said the boy has been formally arrested, just that he is helping officers with their enquiries.

GMP added: "Working alongside partners, including the Royal Air Force and airport authorities, all necessary resources were deployed 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. Following enquiries, the report 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."

An RAF spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an RAF Quick Reaction Alert was launched for a Qatar Airways flight which was causing concern to civil authorities."