Kettering bar threat linked to bomb hoax investigation
A popular Kettering bar was emailed a threat yesterday (October 14) – one of several premises targeted in a bomb hoax that led to the lockdown of two schools.
Police were called to the Kino Lounge in Kettering following them receiving a threat via a ‘similar’ email to those sent to other premises in the town.
Just after 10am, pupils and staff at Bishop Stopford School in Headlands were kept in their classrooms as officers, some with dogs, searched the buildings.
As a precautionary measure, children at adjacent primary school Greenfields Academy in Highfield Road were kept in their classrooms.
An investigation was launched and an 18-year-old Kettering man was arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of bomb hoax – communicating false information.
Chief Inspector Miriam Kiernan said: “Following yesterday’s events, neighbourhood policing officers were deployed swiftly to key locations across the town. I hope the arrest made, alongside our visible policing presence, provided reassurance to local communities and demonstrated our commitment to responding quickly to concerns.”
Northamptonshire Police is leading the investigation and the 18-year-old remains in custody after a Superintendent’s extension granted detectives an extra 12 hours to question him.
A spokesman for the force said: “There was no armed raid at any of the locations involved yesterday but our presence at the Lounge was related to them receiving a similar email to the one the school received.”