Appeal for witnesses after repeated bomb hoaxes – Cambridgeshire / Surrey

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man made two false bomb reports on trains in September.

At around 11.45am on Friday 18 September, a man was on a service from Waterbeach to Cambridge North when he activated the train’s alarm.

He reported that there was a bomb on board, and when the train arrived at Cambridge North passengers evacuated, informing staff of the man and what he had said.

The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Communicating a Bomb Hoax and was released on bail while enquiries continued.

Just after midnight the following day, Saturday 19 September, the same man was on a train at Redhill when he told staff there was a bomb on board.

The train stopped at Earlswood where it was evacuated and searched, and no item of concern was found and the man was arrested again before being charged in connection.

Detectives are urging anyone who overheard what the man said or who witnessed either incident to come forward to support the investigation.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 305 of 18 September.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.