Man charged after reported bomb hoax in Southport
Officers searched a bag reported to contain a bomb but found nothing suspicious inside
A man has been charged following a bomb hoax in Southport town centre.
Police said they received a report just before 1.20pm on Friday (18th September) that a man was carrying a knife and a black bag reported to contain an explosive device on Eastbank Street and Lord Street.
It was also reported that he raised his fists towards a member of the public as he walked past a shop in the area, police said.
Officers detained and arrested 47-year-old Adnel Mateus, of Alexandra Road in Southport, at a coffee shop in the town.
A police search of the bag found no suspicious items, officers confirmed.
Mateus was later charged with breach of a community protection notice and common assault.
He appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court on Saturday 19th September, where he was released on conditional bail.
He is due to appear at South Sefton Magistrates Court on 27th September.