Bomb hoaxer made repeated threats to Home Office day after Manchester terror attack

A man has pleaded guilty to ringing the Home Office the day after the Manchester Arena terror attack to make numerous hoax bomb threats.

Ahmed Belkasim, 30, of Greenwich, has been convicted of communicating threats by telephone which were false, after ringing a total of 10 times.

On 23 May – the day after the Manchester suicide bombing which left 22 people dead – he phoned the immigration compliance and enforcement team at Lunar House, Croydon to say: "I don't know how to make bombs, but I'm going to come and bomb you."

The following day he phoned five more times adding: "22 dead, there will be more than that when I'm finished with you."

Belkasim is said to have made the hoax threat against one Home Office employer in particular. The call centre worker recognised Belkasim's voice as he was a regular caller.

Belkasim denied making the calls, even after he was played a recording of the conversations, and attempted to blame others. He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of malicious communications and threats by telephone which were false and known or believed to be false after appearing at the Old Bailey.

Daren Streeter, CPS London South Senior District Crown Prosecutor, said: "Ahmed Belkasim used the terrorist atrocity in Manchester in an attempt to strike fear into a Home Office employee.

"Our prosecution proved Belkasim intended to cause alarm and our case against him included call recordings, witness statements and comments made as he was arrested.

"No-one should have to be caused alarm in this way and the CPS will prosecute anyone who makes these kind of threats."

Belkasim will be sentenced on 5 December.