Footage of Weston Favell bomb hoax threat released
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Northamptonshire Police has released body-worn video footage showing officers dealing with a man who called 999 to say he had taken a bomb to Weston Favell police station.
On May 14 this year, Jayesh Thanki called the Force to say he was taking a bomb to the station, because he blamed police for him being evicted.
As the station was evacuated, firearms officers began negotiating with Thanki, who was wearing a rucksack on his chest and holding his hand inside it, telling the officers it contained an explosive device.
Eventually officers were able to encourage Thanki to remove his hand from the bag and he was then safely detained and arrested, admitting the bag only contained clothes.
Last month Thanki, aged 46, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, was jailed for three years for his actions.
Superintendent Jen Helm, head of Operational Policing at Northamptonshire Police, said: “This incident had the potential to be incredibly serious, and our officers had to balance and assess whether it involved someone with mental health issues or could be a genuine bomb threat. They had to dynamically assess the incident as it unfolded, constantly taking on new information and adapting their approach, which enabled them to swiftly resolve the situation at the lowest, safest level.
“In negotiating with, approaching and apprehending Thanki, our officers showed immense bravery and courage, and demonstrated the value of their extensive training. They remained calm and composed in challenging circumstances to bring matters to a swift and peaceful conclusion, and are a credit to our Force.
“This incident illustrates the risks all police officers face on a daily basis as they fulfil their pledge to fight crime and protect people.”