Man arrested after 'hoax' emergency off resort pier

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 16:34

By Andy Mitchell BBC Lancashire/RNLI Blackpool/Andy Bolton

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after a hoax 999 call was made claiming someone was getting into difficulty in the sea near Blackpool.

Emergency services including lifeboat crews, the coastguard and a police helicopter searched around the Central Pier for about 90 minutes after the call was received in the early hours.

Lancashire Police said it then transpired the call was linked to an attempt to boost engagement on an individual's social media account.

A man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and he remains in custody.

Police said the call was made at about 02:33 GMT.

Blackpool RNLI also stated that during the searches, it was seen that a laser was being shone from the north shore area out to sea, targeting the rescuers and particularly the crew of the Coastguard helicopter. This resulted in police and coastguard resources being taken off the search and diverted to the area to investigate. Fortunately, no rescuers were injured in the laser strikes, but the danger to the eyes of aircraft and lifeboat crews cannot be understated.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Blackpool Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111