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Manchester bombing: three arrested in south Manchester – live updates Manchester bombing: three arrested in south Manchester – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.14pm BST
13:14
Sir Lawrence Freedman, the historian, strategic studies specialist and member of the Chilcot inquiry panel, has posted an interesting thread on Twitter, prompted by the Manchester attack, on what constitutes success for a counter-terrorism strategy.
How should we evaluate terrorism and counter-terrorism as strategies?1/
Looked at in terms of individual incidents, any successful attack is a failure of counter-terrorism. /2
There will be leads that weren’t followed or individuals that ‘got through the net’./3
But against this sort of individualised threat it is extremely hard to identify all possible militants.4/
In addition terrorism is not always instrumental with a realistic political objective.5/
It is often undertaken as revenge for Western policies and as an objection to Western values and way of life./6
For individual terrorists the attack itself is a political statement and they have succeeded if they have killed, maimed and destroyed. /7
But a lasting political effect depends on destabilising the whole society and this requires regular attacks. /8
Terrorism as a strategy therefore requires a campaign with constant emergencies and incidents. /9
The aim is to create impression of irresistibility, so that people lose confidence in government/ security agencies/police/army. /10
Every attack prevented not only spares people misery but also undermines attempts to create a sense of a society under siege. /11
Keeping successful attacks to minimum so don’t coalesce into something larger is how, over long term, counter-terrorism must be viewed./12
In this the UK has been successful over the years but it remains a challenge, perhaps now growing because of links to ISIS in MidEast./13
Along with normal security measures the importance of assertions of liberal values/community solidarity should not be underestimated./14
In the end that is what it is all about./15
1.07pm BST
13:07
Police now 'confident' all victims have been identified
Greater Manchester police have said they are now “confident” that they have identified all the people killed in the Manchester Arena attack. All the families have been contacted, and trained officers are supporting them.
But, because of the large number of victims, forensic post mortems are likely to take four or five days, according to the force. It is only then that it will be in a position to formally name the victims, with guidance from the coroner.
12.53pm BST
12:53
Josh Halliday
Outside the house where another neighbour said that Adel Forjani had been taken away by police, there are two police vans and police officers keeping guard.
A woman living five doors down from the house, who would not give her name, said she was woken at about 3am by police going into the address. “It was a bit dark so I couldn’t see much, but some of the police were wearing reflective clothes. I know that most of the police cars were unmarked,” she said.
“I’ve been living in this property over 24 years and they have been here over 10 years,” she said.
Maya McKenzie, 23, lives in the house opposite. She said the family living at the address were friendly and that she would take packages for them on occasion. “I never thought anything of them,” she said. “Just a normal family that keeps themselves to themselves.”
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12.45pm BST
12:45
The opposition parties have not issued press statements about the decision to raise the threat level from severe to critical. (See 10.40am.) But Yvette Cooper, the Labour MP who chaired the Commons home affairs committee in the last parliament, has backed the move. She told BBC News:
I think all of us will want to support the police and the security service in the important work that they have to do. This was a truly vile attack - it’s just incomprehensible, the idea of attacking children in this way - and they have got a job to do in the police force, they have got a job that we have to support them in doing.
The expert advice about raising the threat level will be because they want to make sure that they have investigated every possibility about whether there is a network in place that this man was a part of. And we need to support them in doing that.
12.44pm BST
12:44
Armed police have been seen conducting a new raid in central Manchester, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Breaking: Armed police are executing a raid at a flat in Manchester city centre https://t.co/ZP7BAPza2J pic.twitter.com/PqNHyR2zLC
12.41pm BST
12:41
Sarah Marsh
Calum Knight, 26, from Manchester, has been part of a group of friends who have been calling up businesses to collect supplies for families stuck in hospitals.
He said that yesterday they rang around Asda and Tesco, picking up various items.
Knight said that some people needed clothes because they were waiting with family members affected and lived too far away to go home. “A lot of people [at the concert] don’t live in Manchester and have been visiting from Leeds, Liverpool and even Poland. They cannot leave their families to get a change of clothes or leave the hospital.
“The children’s wards at the moment are in dire need of clothes – five stores in Manchester have donated and I am getting more today. All the Asdas have donated a lot of stuff, we have trolleys worth.”
He said some adults who had been there since the attack still had blood on their clothes. “I have spoken to loads of people affected, lots of nurses and training nurses and people on reception. They are working flat out doing overtime and lots of them are quite upset. Yesterday people were very upset and hugging us when we arrived with stuff. They were overwhelmed by all the support Manchester had.”
Knight added that he had spoken to a few patients, including one man whose daughter had not been injured in the blast but got caught in a stampede leaving the stadium. Her injuries came from that rush to leave, he said.
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12.35pm BST12.35pm BST
12:3512:35
Esther AddleyEsther Addley
The BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, has been explaining why the security services think Abedi may have been a “mule” for a bomb made by someone else.The BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, has been explaining why the security services think Abedi may have been a “mule” for a bomb made by someone else.
Speaking on Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 show he said the security services did not have credible intelligence that an attack is coming. But he added:Speaking on Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 show he said the security services did not have credible intelligence that an attack is coming. But he added:
“They are having to take no chances because they don’t think the bomber acted alone. This was too sophisticated a device for one man, particularly this particular individual, Salman Abedi, to have put together himself. Ergo, somebody did it for them.“They are having to take no chances because they don’t think the bomber acted alone. This was too sophisticated a device for one man, particularly this particular individual, Salman Abedi, to have put together himself. Ergo, somebody did it for them.
“In other words, he was the mule carrying a device built by somebody else. That person is still at large, so they have got to assume there is the possibility of another attack. Worst case scenario, this guy is building more devices and lining up more people. Hopefully that is not the case.“In other words, he was the mule carrying a device built by somebody else. That person is still at large, so they have got to assume there is the possibility of another attack. Worst case scenario, this guy is building more devices and lining up more people. Hopefully that is not the case.
He said the authorities believed Abedi had returned from Libya to the UK only a few days ago, “which wouldn’t have given him enough time to build the device himself, it is thought” .He said the authorities believed Abedi had returned from Libya to the UK only a few days ago, “which wouldn’t have given him enough time to build the device himself, it is thought” .
Gardner added that he expected Britain’s security alert level to remain at critical for a relatively short time. “Critical means that leave gets cancelled, the police get very, very stretched. They can only do this for a limited period of time. Probably not much longer than a week, frankly.Gardner added that he expected Britain’s security alert level to remain at critical for a relatively short time. “Critical means that leave gets cancelled, the police get very, very stretched. They can only do this for a limited period of time. Probably not much longer than a week, frankly.
“But while there is this high state of anxiety that there could be a bomb-maker out there with other devices, possibly other suicide volunteers to carry them out, they have got to deploy all the police they can, including armed police.“But while there is this high state of anxiety that there could be a bomb-maker out there with other devices, possibly other suicide volunteers to carry them out, they have got to deploy all the police they can, including armed police.
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12.29pm BST12.29pm BST
12:2912:29
More of those 984 troops have to guard key sites in London including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and government departments on Whitehall.More of those 984 troops have to guard key sites in London including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and government departments on Whitehall.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.32pm BSTat 12.32pm BST
12.21pm BST12.21pm BST
12:2112:21
Greater Manchester police says it is “confident” it knows the identity of all the 22 people who died in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing. So far, the families of only 10 of the victims have named their loved ones. Greater Manchester police say they are “confident” it knows the identity of all the 22 people who died in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing. So far, the families of only 10 of the victims have named their relatives.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.23pm BST at 1.16pm BST
12.16pm BST12.16pm BST
12:1612:16
Here’s a summary of the latest developments following the Manchester concert attack:Here’s a summary of the latest developments following the Manchester concert attack:
Three more men have been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into the attack, which left 22 people dead and 59 injured. A 23-year-old man arrested on Tuesday is believed to be Ismail Abedi, the brother of the bomber Salman Abedi. He is still being questioned.Three more men have been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into the attack, which left 22 people dead and 59 injured. A 23-year-old man arrested on Tuesday is believed to be Ismail Abedi, the brother of the bomber Salman Abedi. He is still being questioned.
One of those detained overnight was identified by neighbours as Adel Forjani. He is said to be in his mid-40s and, like Abedi, from a Libyan family.One of those detained overnight was identified by neighbours as Adel Forjani. He is said to be in his mid-40s and, like Abedi, from a Libyan family.
In messages posted online, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but this has not been confirmed by officials investigating the blast.In messages posted online, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but this has not been confirmed by officials investigating the blast.
Ten victims of the attack have now been named. They are: Martyn Hett, 29; Angelika Klis, 40; Marcin Klis, 42; Georgina Callander, 18; Saffie Rose Roussos, eight; John Atkinson, 28; Kelly Brewster, 32; Olivia Campbell, 15; Alison Howe, 45; and Lisa Lees, 47.Ten victims of the attack have now been named. They are: Martyn Hett, 29; Angelika Klis, 40; Marcin Klis, 42; Georgina Callander, 18; Saffie Rose Roussos, eight; John Atkinson, 28; Kelly Brewster, 32; Olivia Campbell, 15; Alison Howe, 45; and Lisa Lees, 47.
Twenty people remain in “critical care” across Manchester. Injuries include major organ damage and potential loss of limbs, according to Jon Rouse, of the Greater Manchester health and social care partnership.Twenty people remain in “critical care” across Manchester. Injuries include major organ damage and potential loss of limbs, according to Jon Rouse, of the Greater Manchester health and social care partnership.
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has confirmed that Abedi was known to the security services. Her French counterpart, Gerard Collomb, revealed that Abedi had travelled to Libya and probably Syria, and had proven links with Islamic State, citing information from British investigators.The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has confirmed that Abedi was known to the security services. Her French counterpart, Gerard Collomb, revealed that Abedi had travelled to Libya and probably Syria, and had proven links with Islamic State, citing information from British investigators.
Rudd criticised the Americans for revealing Abedi’s identity. She said: “The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise. So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again.Rudd criticised the Americans for revealing Abedi’s identity. She said: “The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise. So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again.
Almost 1,000 troops will be deployed to Britain streets after the terrorist threat level was raised to critical for the first time since July 2007. About 984 troops will be stationed from later today, replacing police guards at No 10 Downing Street, parliament and Buckingham Palace, and elsewhere around London. The changing of the guard ceremony at the palace has been cancelled.Almost 1,000 troops will be deployed to Britain streets after the terrorist threat level was raised to critical for the first time since July 2007. About 984 troops will be stationed from later today, replacing police guards at No 10 Downing Street, parliament and Buckingham Palace, and elsewhere around London. The changing of the guard ceremony at the palace has been cancelled.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.30pm BSTat 12.30pm BST
12.13pm BST12.13pm BST
12:1312:13
Ukip is not launching its manifesto until tomorrow (see 11.36am), but Patrick O’Flynn, its economics spokesman, has been using Twitter to criticise government defence and police cuts in light of the Manchester attack.Ukip is not launching its manifesto until tomorrow (see 11.36am), but Patrick O’Flynn, its economics spokesman, has been using Twitter to criticise government defence and police cuts in light of the Manchester attack.
Both the Army and the police are at their lowest numerical strength for many years at the moment. That simply cannot be sensible.Both the Army and the police are at their lowest numerical strength for many years at the moment. That simply cannot be sensible.
No one from the Labour party has been making these arguments in public, but at least one website influential with Corbyn-supporting leftwingers, the Skwawkbox, has been making similar arguments (see here and here.)No one from the Labour party has been making these arguments in public, but at least one website influential with Corbyn-supporting leftwingers, the Skwawkbox, has been making similar arguments (see here and here.)
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.16pm BSTat 12.16pm BST
12.12pm BST12.12pm BST
12:1212:12
Soldiers have arrived at the House of Commons to help with guard duties, the Evening Standard’s Kate Proctor reports.Soldiers have arrived at the House of Commons to help with guard duties, the Evening Standard’s Kate Proctor reports.
Army just arrived at Parliament. @standardnews pic.twitter.com/c1liGDTD4iArmy just arrived at Parliament. @standardnews pic.twitter.com/c1liGDTD4i
12.11pm BST12.11pm BST
12:1112:11
One of those arrested identifiedOne of those arrested identified
Josh HallidayJosh Halliday
Neighbours said they heard shouting and screaming when about a dozen armed police swooped on the semi-detached house at 2.30am.Neighbours said they heard shouting and screaming when about a dozen armed police swooped on the semi-detached house at 2.30am.
Omar Al Faqhuri, who lives opposite the raided house, said a man in his mid-40s, who he identified as Adel Forjani, was led from the property in handcuffs and that a grown-up son was also taken away by police.Omar Al Faqhuri, who lives opposite the raided house, said a man in his mid-40s, who he identified as Adel Forjani, was led from the property in handcuffs and that a grown-up son was also taken away by police.
He said the family were from Libya and had lived in the red-brick house for about 15 years.He said the family were from Libya and had lived in the red-brick house for about 15 years.
“I saw an armed police man shouting very loudly. I couldn’t tell what he was saying but he continued shouting right from the first arrest all the way until the rest of the family disappeared. The armed police were shouting mainly,” he said.“I saw an armed police man shouting very loudly. I couldn’t tell what he was saying but he continued shouting right from the first arrest all the way until the rest of the family disappeared. The armed police were shouting mainly,” he said.
Al Faqhuri said Forjani lived at the property with his wife, their eldest son who he said goes to university, a young daughter and two younger sons.Al Faqhuri said Forjani lived at the property with his wife, their eldest son who he said goes to university, a young daughter and two younger sons.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.14pm BSTat 12.14pm BST
11.52am BST11.52am BST
11:5211:52
Here are the main points from Amber Rudd’s interview after the Cobra meeting.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.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 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 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 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: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.The Americans are very clear that we really need their support in maintaining operational integrity, and that means also controlling the information.
11.37am BST11.37am BST
11:3711:37
Abedi is believed to have been a “mule” using an explosive device built by someone else, according to the BBC’s security correspondent.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.#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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.39am BSTat 11.39am BST
11.36am BST11.36am BST
11:3611:36
Ukip says election campaign should resume and that it will publish manifesto tomorrowUkip 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: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.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.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.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.Ukip had planned to launch its manifesto today, but it cancelled that event in light of the Manchester attack.
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at 11.38am BSTat 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 said good progress had been made with the investigation.She said good progress had been made with the investigation.
And 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. (See 9.09am.)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.)
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at 11.41am BSTat 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.
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at 11.30am BSTat 11.30am BST