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Manchester bombing: officer among dead as police confirm they are investigating 'network' – live updates Manchester attack: images reported to show bomb components – live updates
(35 minutes later)
7.02pm BST
19:02
Ariana Grande’s management have released a statement saying her tour has been suspended.
Due to the tragic events in Manchester, the Dangerous Woman tour with Ariana Grande has been suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost.
They say that includes the planned concerts at London’s O2 arena this week, as well as all others until the one planned for 5 June in Switzerland.
We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence. Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you.
6.50pm BST
18:50
Details of bomb thought to have been used in Manchester released
The New York Times has just released a series of images it says show components of the bomb used in the Manchester attack and suggests it was a sophisticated, powerful device.
The paper says that preliminary analysis of the device by British authorities suggests it was a powerful explosive that was carried in a “lightweight metal container concealed either within a black vest or a blue Karrimor backpack”. It adds that the bomber is thought to have “held a small detonator in his left hand”.
Images published by the paper – the source and provenance of which are unknown – suggest that nuts and screws were used as shrapnel. The paper reports:
And a review of the location of those killed shows most of the fatalities occurred in a nearly complete circle around the bomber, Salman Abedi, whose upper torso was heaved outside the lethal ring toward the Manchester Arena entrance.
All of these are indicators of a powerful, high-velocity charge, and of a bomb in which its shrapnel was carefully and evenly packed ...
The authorities found a mangled Yuasa 12-volt, 2.1-amp lead acid battery at the scene, which is more powerful than batteries often seen in backpack bombs or suicide vests. The battery, used for emergency lighting and other applications, can be bought for about $20.
The apparent detonator, which British law enforcement officials said was carried in the bomber’s left hand, is also unusual for a manual detonator in a suicide device, in that it appears to have contained a small circuit board soldered inside one end.
It is not clear from the law enforcement images if the object was a simple plunger switch, or included a timer or a receiver that could be operated remotely via radio signal – or some combination.
Updated
at 6.53pm BST
6.27pm BST6.27pm BST
18:2718:27
Josh HallidayJosh Halliday
Hundreds of mourners are paying their respects to victims of the Manchester suicide bombing at a moving vigil in Bury. Hundreds of mourners are paying their respects to victims of the Manchester suicide bombing at a vigil in Bury.
Hundreds at vigil in Bury for Olivia Campbell, 15, and John Atkinson, 28, victims of Manchester Arena suicide bombing pic.twitter.com/MFo4ogaKy2Hundreds at vigil in Bury for Olivia Campbell, 15, and John Atkinson, 28, victims of Manchester Arena suicide bombing pic.twitter.com/MFo4ogaKy2
Children from Tottingham high school, where Olivia studied, carried We ❤️ MCR placards, during the service at Whitehead gardens. Children from Tottington high school, where Olivia studied, carried We ❤ MCR placards, during the service at Whitehead gardens.
The sunlit vigil ended with mourners releasing dozens of pink balloons as town leaders laid wreaths at the clock tower near Bury town hall.The sunlit vigil ended with mourners releasing dozens of pink balloons as town leaders laid wreaths at the clock tower near Bury town hall.
Updated
at 6.34pm BST
5.53pm BST5.53pm BST
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Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
Greater Manchester police said of the Wigan arrest: “The man in Wigan was arrested in connection with the attack on Manchester. He had a suspicious package.”Greater Manchester police said of the Wigan arrest: “The man in Wigan was arrested in connection with the attack on Manchester. He had a suspicious package.”
The GMP spokesperson said police were working with the armed forces to make the package safe.The GMP spokesperson said police were working with the armed forces to make the package safe.
The arrest is the fifth in the UK in connection with Monday’s terror attack.The arrest is the fifth in the UK in connection with Monday’s terror attack.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.01pm BSTat 6.01pm BST
5.30pm BST5.30pm BST
17:3017:30
A suspect has been arrested in Wigan in connection with the Manchester suicide bomb attack, Greater Manchester police say.A suspect has been arrested in Wigan in connection with the Manchester suicide bomb attack, Greater Manchester police say.
5.26pm BST5.26pm BST
17:2617:26
A minute’s silence will be held at 11am on Thursday in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were affected by the attack in Manchester, the government announces.A minute’s silence will be held at 11am on Thursday in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were affected by the attack in Manchester, the government announces.
5.26pm BST5.26pm BST
17:2617:26
Cheshire police have confirmed that one of their officers was among those killed in Monday night’s explosion. The off-duty female police officer was reportedly with her husband and two children. The force said:Cheshire police have confirmed that one of their officers was among those killed in Monday night’s explosion. The off-duty female police officer was reportedly with her husband and two children. The force said:
Cheshire police are now in a position to confirm that sadly one of our female officers tragically died while off-duty at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May. Unfortunately, we are not able to release any further details at this stage.Cheshire police are now in a position to confirm that sadly one of our female officers tragically died while off-duty at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May. Unfortunately, we are not able to release any further details at this stage.
The BBC has reported that the victim’s husband was critically injured in the blast and their two children were also hurt.The BBC has reported that the victim’s husband was critically injured in the blast and their two children were also hurt.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.31pm BSTat 5.31pm BST
5.23pm BST5.23pm BST
17:2317:23
Hashem Abedi picturedHashem Abedi pictured
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
This is a picture of Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber, Salman. The photograph was released to the Guardian by a family friend.This is a picture of Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber, Salman. The photograph was released to the Guardian by a family friend.
Twenty-year-old Hashem was reportedly arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of Islamic State links. He has been living with his parents in the Libyan city.Twenty-year-old Hashem was reportedly arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of Islamic State links. He has been living with his parents in the Libyan city.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.24pm BSTat 5.24pm BST
5.09pm BST5.09pm BST
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Some more details on the reports that the younger brother of the Manchester attacker has been arrested: Reuters says that Ahmed Bin Salem, a spokesman for a local counter-terrorism force known as Rada, has told it that Hashem Abedi, who was born in 1997, was detained on Tuesday evening.Some more details on the reports that the younger brother of the Manchester attacker has been arrested: Reuters says that Ahmed Bin Salem, a spokesman for a local counter-terrorism force known as Rada, has told it that Hashem Abedi, who was born in 1997, was detained on Tuesday evening.
5.02pm BST5.02pm BST
17:0217:02
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Muslims are “sick of having to apologise and be the first to condemn” terror attacks, a university chaplain has said, amid fears of a spike in Islamophobic attacks in Manchester.Muslims are “sick of having to apologise and be the first to condemn” terror attacks, a university chaplain has said, amid fears of a spike in Islamophobic attacks in Manchester.
Mohammed Ullah, Muslim chaplain at University of Manchester, said he had heard reports of a Muslim girl being spat at and another Muslim person being told to “go home” since Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at Manchester Arena on Monday at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.Mohammed Ullah, Muslim chaplain at University of Manchester, said he had heard reports of a Muslim girl being spat at and another Muslim person being told to “go home” since Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at Manchester Arena on Monday at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
A mosque in Oldham, in Greater Manchester, was firebombed shortly after the atrocity, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured nearly 60 others, in an attack police called “vindictive”.A mosque in Oldham, in Greater Manchester, was firebombed shortly after the atrocity, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured nearly 60 others, in an attack police called “vindictive”.
Ullah said a rise in Islamophobia was common following reports of Islamic fundamentalist attacks worldwide, but was also detected after the referendum on leaving the European Union.Ullah said a rise in Islamophobia was common following reports of Islamic fundamentalist attacks worldwide, but was also detected after the referendum on leaving the European Union.
“We know of a girl who yesterday was spat at. We were told of another Muslim who was told to ‘go home’ early in the morning just after the event surfaced,” he said.“We know of a girl who yesterday was spat at. We were told of another Muslim who was told to ‘go home’ early in the morning just after the event surfaced,” he said.
“We hear reports, but many people are very scared to talk about the problem or they don’t want to cause a fuss. We receive reports but I think incidents are under-reported.”“We hear reports, but many people are very scared to talk about the problem or they don’t want to cause a fuss. We receive reports but I think incidents are under-reported.”
“Islamophobic attacks have increased in the last few years exponentially,” he said.“Islamophobic attacks have increased in the last few years exponentially,” he said.
“I tell Muslim students to report these hate incidents when they happen. Be vigilant against it and don’t allow hate to divide us.”“I tell Muslim students to report these hate incidents when they happen. Be vigilant against it and don’t allow hate to divide us.”
Ullah said he was sick of having to apologise for the crime of another individual. “I say to Muslims, ‘You should not have to apologise for the actions of individuals,’” he said. “No other community has ever been held to account like this.Ullah said he was sick of having to apologise for the crime of another individual. “I say to Muslims, ‘You should not have to apologise for the actions of individuals,’” he said. “No other community has ever been held to account like this.
“Why does the Muslim community have to stand up and say we’re sorry for what this person has done. I can’t answer for the crimes of an individual.“Why does the Muslim community have to stand up and say we’re sorry for what this person has done. I can’t answer for the crimes of an individual.
“Let me be clear – what happened on Monday was a crime of epic proportions. It was epic, evil and one we condemn with the strongest condemnation.“Let me be clear – what happened on Monday was a crime of epic proportions. It was epic, evil and one we condemn with the strongest condemnation.
“But let’s also be clear about this, why do we then have to stand up and say, ‘we apologise’. It’s not my fault. It’s not the fault of the religion.“But let’s also be clear about this, why do we then have to stand up and say, ‘we apologise’. It’s not my fault. It’s not the fault of the religion.
“Islam is a religion of peace and of beauty that teaches followers to be good to all people of any faith or none.“Islam is a religion of peace and of beauty that teaches followers to be good to all people of any faith or none.
“We’re sick of having to apologise and being the first to condemn it. What more can we do?”“We’re sick of having to apologise and being the first to condemn it. What more can we do?”
The attack on the mosque on Villa Road, Oldham, at about 3am on Tuesday came hours after Abedi’s bomb detonated, causing chaos throughout the city. CCTV shows a man walking up to the front door and setting fire to it.The attack on the mosque on Villa Road, Oldham, at about 3am on Tuesday came hours after Abedi’s bomb detonated, causing chaos throughout the city. CCTV shows a man walking up to the front door and setting fire to it.
Hamad Mukhtar Irfani, a committee member at the mosque, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s absolutely disgusting. It’s a disgrace someone would do this. There is no place for this kind of thing. The suspect is a white man. He was carrying a bottle of accelerant and had a BMX bike.Hamad Mukhtar Irfani, a committee member at the mosque, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s absolutely disgusting. It’s a disgrace someone would do this. There is no place for this kind of thing. The suspect is a white man. He was carrying a bottle of accelerant and had a BMX bike.
DI Ian Harratt, of Greater Manchester police’s Oldham Borough, said: “In the wake of the atrocities that happened at the Manchester Arena, this man thought it was acceptable to deface and set fire to a local mosque. This behaviour will not be tolerated. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the community in Oldham and all the people who treasure this mosque as a place of worship.DI Ian Harratt, of Greater Manchester police’s Oldham Borough, said: “In the wake of the atrocities that happened at the Manchester Arena, this man thought it was acceptable to deface and set fire to a local mosque. This behaviour will not be tolerated. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the community in Oldham and all the people who treasure this mosque as a place of worship.
“We have been working with people in the local community and the council to make sure that people realise there is zero tolerance around vindictive acts of this nature.“We have been working with people in the local community and the council to make sure that people realise there is zero tolerance around vindictive acts of this nature.
“If you recognise the man in the images, or the bike that he used, I’m urging you to please come forward because hate crime will not be tolerated at all in Greater Manchester. Stand up and be counted, you can make a difference in stopping acts like this happening again.”“If you recognise the man in the images, or the bike that he used, I’m urging you to please come forward because hate crime will not be tolerated at all in Greater Manchester. Stand up and be counted, you can make a difference in stopping acts like this happening again.”
5.01pm BST5.01pm BST
17:0117:01
Immediately after the Reuters report that the Manchester attacker’s younger brother was arrested in Libya on suspicion of Islamic State links, the BBC’s security correspondent says:Immediately after the Reuters report that the Manchester attacker’s younger brother was arrested in Libya on suspicion of Islamic State links, the BBC’s security correspondent says:
BBC learns that 2 people reported the #manchesterattack bomber supporting terrorism and suicide attacks 5 years ago and again this year.BBC learns that 2 people reported the #manchesterattack bomber supporting terrorism and suicide attacks 5 years ago and again this year.
Gardner’s report has not been confirmed by the Guardian.Gardner’s report has not been confirmed by the Guardian.
4.55pm BST4.55pm BST
16:5516:55
The BBC is saying it hopes to announce revised dates for the Andrew Neil election interviews tomorrow.The BBC is saying it hopes to announce revised dates for the Andrew Neil election interviews tomorrow.
Neil has already interviewed Theresa May, but interviews with Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron and Paul Nuttall were also scheduled for this week.Neil has already interviewed Theresa May, but interviews with Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron and Paul Nuttall were also scheduled for this week.
The @afneil interview with @timfarron WON'T go ahead Wednesday evening and we aim to announce revised times on Thu https://t.co/jZSGCQ1Y2mThe @afneil interview with @timfarron WON'T go ahead Wednesday evening and we aim to announce revised times on Thu https://t.co/jZSGCQ1Y2m