Rochdale man sentenced for bomb hoax

An 18-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months' detention in a Young Offenders Institute for a bomb hoax and possessing weapons.

Husnain Masood, from Rochdale, pleaded guilty to two offences of possession of a bladed article, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and a bomb hoax offence.

Just after 3am on 21 April 2022 police received a call from a phone box in Rochdale. The caller said he had seen a man with a gun putting a bag with wires coming out of it under a bus stop on Dane Street, Rochdale.

Police attended and confirmed that there was a bag matching the caller's description. It was determined that a cordon should be put in place, and the Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit were called.

An officer was sitting in his car, awaiting the arrival of the explosive operatives, when Masood knocked on his window. The officer looked up to see Masood dressed all in black with a balaclava. 

His colleague saw that Masood had a knife and yelled a warning.

Masood then turned his attention to the officer who issued the warning and began chasing him, shouting he would shoot him before other officers stepped in to assist. They saw what looked like the butt of a gun in his hand, and they could see he had wires coming from his clothing. 

Masood was detained by use of a taser and incapacitant spray. During the chase, Masood was seen to throw a knife in a nearby grid, which was later recovered.

When searched, Masood had a second smaller knife and three notes, including one saying: 'this is a suicide attempt, not an act of terror'.

The Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit carried out a controlled explosion on the device. It was found to be a non-viable device.

Masood explained in interview he believed that if he appeared to be a credible threat, the police would shoot him.

He planted the bag under the bus stop, making it obvious by having wires hanging out, and expected armed police to be called. He then called the police himself via the phone box.

He presented himself to police saying 'shoot me'. He had no intention of hurting anyone else and was sorry for frightening the officers. What Masood hoped would be considered a gun was a black candle lighter.

One officer said in his victim impact statement: "This incident scared me. I was put in genuine fear of serious harm and death from this man, I was also put in fear, as I felt that I couldn't help my co-workers and friends." 

Joanna Crook, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "Masood's actions caused a great deal of fear, not to mention the expense and time of the police and bomb disposal experts who could have put that time to better use.

"Masood admitted his actions when spoken to by the police and apologised for what he had done.

"The police officers who dealt with incident showed great bravery in the face of a very serious incident."