A RAIL passenger who made threats while ranting about the atrocities of 9/11 and the Taliban has been jailed for 12 months.

Mohammed Khalil Khan, 50, caused serious disruption on the Bolton to Blackburn line last August.

Police say Khan boarded a train at Manchester Victoria station on August 9.

And while on board, a passenger alerted a member of train staff that Khan was making threats to commit acts of violence, and also making comments about the atrocities of 9/11 and the Taliban.

Investigators say the staff member followed the passenger to the carriage Khan was occupying before returning to the front of the train to call 999.

The train stopped at Darwen, where Khan was met by police. Passengers were ushered off the train and Khan, who was verbally abusive, was then detained.

His bag was searched and a knife was found. Khan later pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article and was jailed at Preston Crown Court.

Det Chief Insp Kay Dennison, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: This was a terrifying incident for the passengers to be stuck on a moving train with Khan making such concerning threats.

“His behaviour led to the train station where he was detained being closed off as a precaution, causing widespread disruption and a sense of panic in the local area.

“Khan’s behaviour was frankly very worrying and completely unacceptable to cause fear in a public place.”