Man charged with bomb hoax in Preston

Monday, 11 May 2026 14:09

By Central Radio News

A man has been charged with making a bomb threat and sending threatening communication in Preston.

Around 3.30pm on Monday 4th May, Lancashire Police officers were called to a report of a bomb threat at St George’s Shopping Centre, Preston.

The centre was searched and nothing suspicious was found.

At 11.44pm on 5th May, we were called to reports that threats had been made to a ward at the Royal Preston Hospital.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on Friday 9th May.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Ethan Hardy, 20, of no fixed address, has been charged with sending a bomb hoax – communicating false information – in relation to St George’s Shopping Centre, and sending communication threatening death or serious harm at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Hardy has been remanded in custody to appear before Preston Magistrates Court today (11th May).

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