German on bomb hoax charges

It is claimed the passenger joked about having knives and bombs

A 45-year-old German man has been remanded in custody in connection with an airport bomb scare.

Police were called to Terminal One at Manchester Airport on Friday after a passenger allegedly told staff he was carrying knives and bombs.

Axel Wilhelm from Stasse in Munich appeared before the bench at Trafford Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Mr Wilhelm, who works for Siemens, has been charged with communicating false information about a bomb hoax.

He is a regular visitor to Siemens' Manchester plant.

During Saturday's hearing, he did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until Monday.

His solicitors hope to have contacted a friend or relative to put up a bail surety over the weekend.

Grey-haired and with a pointed goatee beard, he spoke only to give his personal details and to say that he understood the proceedings.