This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/may/24/manchester-arena-bombing-terror-attack-victims-threat-critical-ariana-grande-concert-live-news

The article has changed 44 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Manchester bombing: three arrested in south Manchester – live updates Manchester bombing: three arrested in south Manchester – live updates
(35 minutes later)
11.52am BST
11:52
Here are the main points from Amber Rudd’s interview after the Cobra meeting.
Rudd, the home secretary, said 984 members of the military were being deployed to help the police, initially in London, but then elsewhere as requested.
She said “good progress” was being made with the investigation.
She refused to comment on a claim from her French counterpart that Salman Abedi had proven links with Islamic State (Isis) and probably travelled to Syria. (See 9.09am.)
She refused to say whether Abedi was subject to a temporary exclusion order or a Tpim.
She said the Americans had assured her they would not leak information about the investigation to the media again. Asked about this, she said:
The Americans are very clear that we really need their support in maintaining operational integrity, and that means also controlling the information.
11.37am BST
11:37
Abedi is believed to have been a “mule” using an explosive device built by someone else, according to the BBC’s security correspondent.
#manchesterattack Bomber thought to have been a 'mule' using device built by someone else. More Govt announcements expected today.
If confirmed, this would help explain why the threat level has been raised to critical for the first time in a decade. It means the threat of a further attack may be imminent.
Updated
at 11.39am BST
11.36am BST
11:36
Ukip says election campaign should resume and that it will publish manifesto tomorrow
Paul Nuttall, the Ukip leader, has announced that his party will publish its manifesto tomorrow. He says he believes it will be time then for electioneering to continue. In a statement he says:
We are all horrified by the horrific events that took place in Manchester. Following those events it is right and proper that political parties suspended their campaigns for a short period as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives or suffered appalling injuries.
But we cannot be cowed or allow our way of life to be undermined by those who wish to do us harm. These people hate the way we live, hate our freedom and hate our democracy.
The best response we can make is to ensure that the democratic process continues and therefore I have decided that we must go ahead with the launch of the Ukip general election manifesto tomorrow. For those who say that nothing must change, but then complain, it is by prolonging the disruption to normality that we allow the terrorists to win. Politics has never been more important, politicians must deal with these issues.
Ukip had planned to launch its manifesto today, but it cancelled that event in light of the Manchester attack.
Updated
at 11.38am BST
11.30am BST11.30am BST
11:3011:30
Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has recorded a clip for broadcasters about this morning’s Cobra meeting. Sky News is playing it now.Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has recorded a clip for broadcasters about this morning’s Cobra meeting. Sky News is playing it now.
She says good progress had been made with the investigation. She said good progress had been made with the investigation.
And she says 984 members of the armed forces were being deployed, initially in London but then elsewhere, she said. And 984 members of the armed forces were being deployed, initially in London but then elsewhere, she said.
Q: Your French counterpart says Salman Abedi had gone to Syria. Q: Your French counterpart says Salman Abedi had gone to Syria. (See 9.09am.)
Rudd says she is not going to comment on the operation.Rudd says she is not going to comment on the operation.
Q: Was Abedi subject to a temporary exclusion order or a Tpim Q: Was Abedi subject to a temporary exclusion order or a Tpim?
Rudd says she cannot comment.Rudd says she cannot comment.
Q: And can you say anything about Abedi’s father, who is reported to be in Libya.Q: And can you say anything about Abedi’s father, who is reported to be in Libya.
Rudd says she cannot comment on the investigation. It must be allowed to proceed.Rudd says she cannot comment on the investigation. It must be allowed to proceed.
Q: Have you sent messages to the Americans about the leaking of information?Q: Have you sent messages to the Americans about the leaking of information?
Rudd says the Americans understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the UK investigation.Rudd says the Americans understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the UK investigation.
(That means, the Americans have agreed not to do it again - see 9.35am.) (That means, the Americans have agreed not to do it again – see 9.35am.)
Updated
at 11.41am BST
11.21am BST11.21am BST
11:2111:21
800 troops to be deployed800 troops to be deployed
Ewen MacAskillEwen MacAskill
The British army is to deploy about 800 troops around the UK to support police in the aftermath of the Manchester attack.The British army is to deploy about 800 troops around the UK to support police in the aftermath of the Manchester attack.
The troops will be stationed from later today, replacing police guards at No 10 Downing Street, parliament and Buckingham Palace, and elsewhere around London.The troops will be stationed from later today, replacing police guards at No 10 Downing Street, parliament and Buckingham Palace, and elsewhere around London.
Regional police officers in Manchester and elsewhere will discuss specific deployments with their military regional counterparts.Regional police officers in Manchester and elsewhere will discuss specific deployments with their military regional counterparts.
The soldiers will be in uniform but under the command of the police.The soldiers will be in uniform but under the command of the police.
The reason cited for troops replacing armed police on guard duty is to free up officers so they can focus on arrests and other duties.The reason cited for troops replacing armed police on guard duty is to free up officers so they can focus on arrests and other duties.
The troops are being deployed under an operation codenamed Temperer. In 2015, after the attack in Paris on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the government discussed deploying troops on the streets as the French did.The troops are being deployed under an operation codenamed Temperer. In 2015, after the attack in Paris on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, the government discussed deploying troops on the streets as the French did.
At the time, there was resistance from the military, citing that the army, down to 82,000 – its lowest figure since the 19th century – was overstretched. Military chiefs also raised concerns that the troops would become bored with guard duty once the novelty wore off.At the time, there was resistance from the military, citing that the army, down to 82,000 – its lowest figure since the 19th century – was overstretched. Military chiefs also raised concerns that the troops would become bored with guard duty once the novelty wore off.
A bigger strategic concern was that once troops are deployed, as they were in Northern Ireland, it can become hard to withdraw them.A bigger strategic concern was that once troops are deployed, as they were in Northern Ireland, it can become hard to withdraw them.
The French government, after deploying thousands of troops, went on to deploy even more.The French government, after deploying thousands of troops, went on to deploy even more.
Another concern was becoming embroiled in political controversy, as happened after Tony Blair sent armoured vehicles and troops to Heathrow in response to a plot to blow up airlines.Another concern was becoming embroiled in political controversy, as happened after Tony Blair sent armoured vehicles and troops to Heathrow in response to a plot to blow up airlines.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.30am BSTat 11.30am BST
11.16am BST11.16am BST
11:1611:16
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
Greater Manchester police is being unusually reticent about the investigation. The information provided by Greater Manchester police has unusually limited.
In its latest statement, GMP did not say what the men were arrested for and there was none of the details usually given by police forces, even during high-pressure investigations.In its latest statement, GMP did not say what the men were arrested for and there was none of the details usually given by police forces, even during high-pressure investigations.
It is not clear whether the warrants were to search the premises or whether those detained were found at the properties and arrested while they were being investigated. It is also unclear whether police were specifically looking for any of the arrested men.It is not clear whether the warrants were to search the premises or whether those detained were found at the properties and arrested while they were being investigated. It is also unclear whether police were specifically looking for any of the arrested men.
GMP statement - Three men arrested pic.twitter.com/ohuGs4iR8gGMP statement - Three men arrested pic.twitter.com/ohuGs4iR8g
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.18am BST at 11.45am BST
11.07am BST11.07am BST
11:0711:07
Josh HallidayJosh Halliday
Donovan Kinsey, 29, a neighbour of Salman Abedi, said he seemed “very quiet” but would often have friends to visit at his semi-detached home in Fallowfields in Manchester.Donovan Kinsey, 29, a neighbour of Salman Abedi, said he seemed “very quiet” but would often have friends to visit at his semi-detached home in Fallowfields in Manchester.
“Occasionally he’d wear hooded tops and jeans and occasionally you’d see him in traditional dress,” he told journalists outside the police cordon.“Occasionally he’d wear hooded tops and jeans and occasionally you’d see him in traditional dress,” he told journalists outside the police cordon.
“He didn’t seem [violent], he was very quiet. He had people going in to visit him quite a lot, but apart from that you didn’t hear anything from the family.“He didn’t seem [violent], he was very quiet. He had people going in to visit him quite a lot, but apart from that you didn’t hear anything from the family.
“There used to be an older lady that lived there with them and a young child, and two young men.”“There used to be an older lady that lived there with them and a young child, and two young men.”
Asked whether the family seemed religious, Kinsey said: “I’d say so yeah because they did wear traditional dresses occasionally, but I didn’t speak to them that much.Asked whether the family seemed religious, Kinsey said: “I’d say so yeah because they did wear traditional dresses occasionally, but I didn’t speak to them that much.
“It’s just a bit of a shock what’s happened – it’s cowardly attacking young children. There’s other ways of going about things. You don’t attack young children. It’s disgusting what he’s done.“It’s just a bit of a shock what’s happened – it’s cowardly attacking young children. There’s other ways of going about things. You don’t attack young children. It’s disgusting what he’s done.
“Everyone’s friendly with each other, everyone gets along, there’s never any trouble round here. It’s quite a multicultural area and you don’t expect anything like this to happen.”“Everyone’s friendly with each other, everyone gets along, there’s never any trouble round here. It’s quite a multicultural area and you don’t expect anything like this to happen.”
Salman Abedi's neighbour, Donovan Kinsey, 29, says the bomber seemed "very quiet": "It's unbelievable what he's done." pic.twitter.com/6jZyn7LycVSalman Abedi's neighbour, Donovan Kinsey, 29, says the bomber seemed "very quiet": "It's unbelievable what he's done." pic.twitter.com/6jZyn7LycV
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.12am BSTat 11.12am BST
11.03am BST11.03am BST
11:0311:03
Here’s confirmation from Greater Manchester police of the three arrests.Here’s confirmation from Greater Manchester police of the three arrests.
GMP statement - Three men arrested pic.twitter.com/ohuGs4iR8gGMP statement - Three men arrested pic.twitter.com/ohuGs4iR8g
A total of four men have now been arrested as part of the inquiry into the attack by suicide bomber Salman Abedi.A total of four men have now been arrested as part of the inquiry into the attack by suicide bomber Salman Abedi.
Abedi’s 23-year-old brother, Ismail, was one of those arrested according to the BBC.Abedi’s 23-year-old brother, Ismail, was one of those arrested according to the BBC.
It's been confirmed the 23 year old man arrested yesterday in Chorlton is Salman Abedi's brotherIt's been confirmed the 23 year old man arrested yesterday in Chorlton is Salman Abedi's brother
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.05am BSTat 11.05am BST
10.59am BST10.59am BST
10:5910:59
Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
Tattoo artists in Manchester are offering to ink the city’s bee symbol on to people for £50 to raise money for the victims of the bombing and their families. The worker bee was first used as a motif for Manchester during the industrial revolution – standing for Mancunians’ work ethic and community spirit – and it appears on dustbins, lampposts, bollards and paving stones across the city.Tattoo artists in Manchester are offering to ink the city’s bee symbol on to people for £50 to raise money for the victims of the bombing and their families. The worker bee was first used as a motif for Manchester during the industrial revolution – standing for Mancunians’ work ethic and community spirit – and it appears on dustbins, lampposts, bollards and paving stones across the city.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.04am BSTat 11.04am BST
10.55am BST10.55am BST
10:5510:55
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
Police Scotland has apparently not yet asked the army to supply guards for key sites and government buildings despite the threat level being raised to critical, but confusion reigned over what decision had been taken and who is responsible for announcing it.Police Scotland has apparently not yet asked the army to supply guards for key sites and government buildings despite the threat level being raised to critical, but confusion reigned over what decision had been taken and who is responsible for announcing it.
Theresa May said troops would be deployed to provide static guards in England under the government’s Operation Temperer plan to free up armed police officers from guarding duties. Those sites included Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and foreign embassies in London.Theresa May said troops would be deployed to provide static guards in England under the government’s Operation Temperer plan to free up armed police officers from guarding duties. Those sites included Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and foreign embassies in London.
Neither Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, nor Scotland’s chief constable, Phil Gormley, addressed the army deployment question in their latest statements on security on Wednesday morning, implying they had opted not to call up the army or that the question had not yet been resolved.Neither Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, nor Scotland’s chief constable, Phil Gormley, addressed the army deployment question in their latest statements on security on Wednesday morning, implying they had opted not to call up the army or that the question had not yet been resolved.
It is possible the decision is seen as far more politically sensitive here, given the Scottish independence question or instead the police believe the threat level is not as serious.It is possible the decision is seen as far more politically sensitive here, given the Scottish independence question or instead the police believe the threat level is not as serious.
A police spokeswoman said that was a question for the Scottish government. A Scottish government spokesman said he needed to find out. A British army spokeswoman in Scotland said the police were the lead on deployment decisions.A police spokeswoman said that was a question for the Scottish government. A Scottish government spokesman said he needed to find out. A British army spokeswoman in Scotland said the police were the lead on deployment decisions.
“We are on standby to be of any use to Police Scotland if they wish, but it’s really their call,” she said. The army would be used “to allow them to release their authorised firearms officers where they are currently deployed to assist where they are needed.”“We are on standby to be of any use to Police Scotland if they wish, but it’s really their call,” she said. The army would be used “to allow them to release their authorised firearms officers where they are currently deployed to assist where they are needed.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.57am BSTat 10.57am BST
10.53am BST10.53am BST
10:5310:53
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Martyn Hett, 29, from Stockport, went missing after he became separated from friends at the concert.Martyn Hett, 29, from Stockport, went missing after he became separated from friends at the concert.
His brother, Dan, said on Tuesday that he had still not had news of Hett, who was due to travel to America for a two-month holiday on Wednesday.His brother, Dan, said on Tuesday that he had still not had news of Hett, who was due to travel to America for a two-month holiday on Wednesday.
On Wednesday he tweeted: “They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken.”On Wednesday he tweeted: “They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken.”
Hett’s partner, Russell Hayward, said: “We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn’t survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I’m in a really bad way so please forgive if I don’t reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will. X”.Hett’s partner, Russell Hayward, said: “We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn’t survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I’m in a really bad way so please forgive if I don’t reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will. X”.
Another friend, Christina, also paid tribute to “my best friend, my maid of honour”.Another friend, Christina, also paid tribute to “my best friend, my maid of honour”.
Thanks for everyone's help and support. I will love him forever. pic.twitter.com/GVYHuLPpxiThanks for everyone's help and support. I will love him forever. pic.twitter.com/GVYHuLPpxi
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.00am BSTat 11.00am BST
10.53am BST10.53am BST
10:5310:53
The House of Commons authorities have announced that the building is being closed to non-passholders today. That means that tours of the Palace of Westminster, and any events booked to take place in rooms in the building, have been cancelled. The authorities will decide later today whether these restrictions will continue to apply tomorrow.The House of Commons authorities have announced that the building is being closed to non-passholders today. That means that tours of the Palace of Westminster, and any events booked to take place in rooms in the building, have been cancelled. The authorities will decide later today whether these restrictions will continue to apply tomorrow.
10.49am BST10.49am BST
10:4910:49
Changing of the guard cancelledChanging of the guard cancelled
The Changing the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been cancelled today to redeploy police officers following the Manchester attack, the Ministry of Defence said.The Changing the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been cancelled today to redeploy police officers following the Manchester attack, the Ministry of Defence said.
Earlier, Scotland Yard revealed that troops will be deployed at Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster, after the terrorist threat level was raised to critical.Earlier, Scotland Yard revealed that troops will be deployed at Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster, after the terrorist threat level was raised to critical.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23am BSTat 11.23am BST
10.47am BST10.47am BST
10:4710:47
Tenth victim namedTenth victim named
A tenth victim of the Manchester attack has been named as Martyn Hett. His brother, Dan, confirmed Hett was among the dead. He tweeted that he was “heartbroken”.A tenth victim of the Manchester attack has been named as Martyn Hett. His brother, Dan, confirmed Hett was among the dead. He tweeted that he was “heartbroken”.
Hett previously appealed for help in locating his brother.Hett previously appealed for help in locating his brother.
they found my brother last night. we are heartbroken.they found my brother last night. we are heartbroken.
The names of 10 of the 22 victims have now been revealed.The names of 10 of the 22 victims have now been revealed.
Martyn Hett, 29Martyn Hett, 29
Angelika Klis, 40Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42Marcin Klis, 42
Georgina Callander, 18Georgina Callander, 18
Saffie Rose Roussos, eightSaffie Rose Roussos, eight
John Atkinson, 28John Atkinson, 28
Kelly Brewster, 32Kelly Brewster, 32
Olivia Campbell, 15Olivia Campbell, 15
Alison Howe, 45Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47Lisa Lees, 47
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.51am BSTat 10.51am BST
10.40am BST10.40am BST
10:4010:40
None of the opposition parties have put out press statements about the decision taken last night to raise the threat level from severe to critical. A Labour source said the party was not commenting, and a Lib Dem source said the party had not issued a press statement because the decision was one taken by an independent panel, and not by ministers, and that therefore they did not want to politicise it.None of the opposition parties have put out press statements about the decision taken last night to raise the threat level from severe to critical. A Labour source said the party was not commenting, and a Lib Dem source said the party had not issued a press statement because the decision was one taken by an independent panel, and not by ministers, and that therefore they did not want to politicise it.
The silence is slightly odd because political parties issue press releases about almost everything, including decisions taken by non-partisan officials. It may be a sign of how nervous all the political parties are about being seen to in any way capitalise on the Manchester atrocity.The silence is slightly odd because political parties issue press releases about almost everything, including decisions taken by non-partisan officials. It may be a sign of how nervous all the political parties are about being seen to in any way capitalise on the Manchester atrocity.
But Shami Chakrabarti did comment in an interview on Newsnight last night. Chakrabarti is the shadow attorney general, but she was introduced as someone speaking not in that capacity, but in her capacity as a former director of the civil rights group Liberty.But Shami Chakrabarti did comment in an interview on Newsnight last night. Chakrabarti is the shadow attorney general, but she was introduced as someone speaking not in that capacity, but in her capacity as a former director of the civil rights group Liberty.
Asked if she was satisfied that the joint terrorism analysis centre (JTAC), which took the decision to raise the threat level, was independent, and not subject to politicisation, she replied:Asked if she was satisfied that the joint terrorism analysis centre (JTAC), which took the decision to raise the threat level, was independent, and not subject to politicisation, she replied:
Look what I would say on a night like this one is that this is not the moment for conspiracy theories. So if anybody is, you know, feeling panicked about the timing of this, I would just urge them to be calm and united.Look what I would say on a night like this one is that this is not the moment for conspiracy theories. So if anybody is, you know, feeling panicked about the timing of this, I would just urge them to be calm and united.
Asked, again, if she supported the decision to raise the threat level, she replied:Asked, again, if she supported the decision to raise the threat level, she replied:
I am not a privy counsellor and I have not seen the intelligence, but nor am I going to take a knee-jerk in the other direction, and to be a conspiracy theorist. I don’t think that would be good for anybody this evening.I am not a privy counsellor and I have not seen the intelligence, but nor am I going to take a knee-jerk in the other direction, and to be a conspiracy theorist. I don’t think that would be good for anybody this evening.