Man jailed after making nearly 100 bomb hoax calls across London

He threatened bombs at places across the capital city, including hospitals.

The Metropolitan Police said it had sent officers to the false alarms.

The force said: "What were believed to be real bombs turned out to be malicious hoaxes, but caused panic among venues, staff and the public."

In one incident, the man called police and said: "What would you guys do if I was to put a bomb in Guy's Thomas Hospital?"

On another occasion, he claimed to have placed a bomb near the Met Police control room.

He said: "Hi, I put a bomb in your guys' corridor bathroom.

"You have exactly about 12 seconds to get out of that building."

The man was arrested by the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York.

The Met Police said the hoax caller was prosecuted under US federal law and so will serve his sentence there.

"False threats are not a prank, they threaten lives and carry serious consequences," a police spokesman added.

The force revealed in November last year just 15 per cent of 999 calls it received are genuine emergencies.

Among the phone calls it said had been made were people frustrated by their delivery drivers not turning up and someone who had a spider in their room.

Commander Caroline Haines, who heads up the Met’s Command and Control, said: "When someone’s life is in danger, or a crime is being committed, seconds count.

"Unfortunately, too many people call 999 for things that simply aren’t an emergency or a matter for police.

"These calls could mean someone who is in genuine need and danger must wait longer to get the help they urgently need.

“That is why we’re running a campaign to remind the public of the other ways they can contact us, so we can focus on keeping London safe.

"Let’s keep 999 free for those who genuinely need it.”