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Manchester attack: images reportedly show bomb components – live updates Manchester attack: images reportedly show bomb components – live updates
(35 minutes later)
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More details from my colleague Frances Perraudin at the scene about the arrest in Blackley.
Police raided a tower block in Blackley, north Manchester, at around 18.45pm this evening.
Searches carried out in Blackley pic.twitter.com/FwT02T4mgK
The area around the block of flats, called Somerton Court, has been cordoned off by police and residents are not being allowed to leave – though some residents in neighbouring blocks are being let over the police tape to return to their flats.
Peter Quinn, 61, who lives on the top floor of the block opposite came to the window when he heard a bang. He saw scores of armed police and police dogs entering the flat, and then a woman wearing a black and white top and black trousers being led away in handcuffs.
James Mooney, 27, was on the phone to his sister Louise, who lives in the block, when he heard the bang and the line went dead. He had not managed to get in contact with her an hour later, but his father John said police had suggested there was nothing to worry about.
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A woman has been arrested in connection with the Manchester Arena suicide bombing following an armed raid on a block of flats in Blackley, in the north of the city, Greater Manchester police have said.
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Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
The move to a ‘critical’ threat level will mean extra checks at ports, Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer said, and also security is also being urgently reviewed at all key sites and for every major event. The Met’s assistant commissioner, Mark Rowley, said: The move to a “critical” threat level will mean extra checks at ports, Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer said, and security is also being urgently reviewed at all key sites and for every major event. The Met’s assistant commissioner, Mark Rowley, said:
The increase in threat level may mean additional police and security checks at ports, airports and rail stations, which may cause disruption to journeys. Passengers should plan in advance and allow extra time to travel where possible.The increase in threat level may mean additional police and security checks at ports, airports and rail stations, which may cause disruption to journeys. Passengers should plan in advance and allow extra time to travel where possible.
We are urgently reviewing security of all key sites and major upcoming events over the coming days and weeks as a precautionary measure. Specialist officers and protective security experts continue to work with organisers around having appropriate security measures in place.We are urgently reviewing security of all key sites and major upcoming events over the coming days and weeks as a precautionary measure. Specialist officers and protective security experts continue to work with organisers around having appropriate security measures in place.
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A block of flats in Blackley, north Manchester, has been surrounded by police. Residents are not being allowed to leave. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/DD5GYw7fprA block of flats in Blackley, north Manchester, has been surrounded by police. Residents are not being allowed to leave. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/DD5GYw7fpr
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Helen PiddHelen Pidd
A mum has described how she saw the man arrested in Wigan shortly before he was wrestled to the ground by armed policemen.A mum has described how she saw the man arrested in Wigan shortly before he was wrestled to the ground by armed policemen.
Cheryl Davies, 40, was picking her children up from school at 3.20pm when she saw the man she later recognised as the Wigan suspect. “I only noticed him because he looked drunk, or not quite with it. I was thinking, ‘what sort of place do we live in with people wandering around like that?’ He seemed under the influence of something.” He had short hair and looked to be in his 20s, she added.Cheryl Davies, 40, was picking her children up from school at 3.20pm when she saw the man she later recognised as the Wigan suspect. “I only noticed him because he looked drunk, or not quite with it. I was thinking, ‘what sort of place do we live in with people wandering around like that?’ He seemed under the influence of something.” He had short hair and looked to be in his 20s, she added.
When she returned from school their street and surrounding roads were cordoned off.When she returned from school their street and surrounding roads were cordoned off.
Her son Josh Round, 15, later watched the police bomb squad circle around a red parcel dropped by the arrested man. “I thought it looked like a pizza bag – one of those bags pizzas are delivered in,” he said.Her son Josh Round, 15, later watched the police bomb squad circle around a red parcel dropped by the arrested man. “I thought it looked like a pizza bag – one of those bags pizzas are delivered in,” he said.
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Rajeev SyalRajeev Syal
Theresa May was repeatedly told that cuts to community policing could harm Greater Manchester police’s ability to combat crimes such as terrorism, according to the force’s former police commissioner.Theresa May was repeatedly told that cuts to community policing could harm Greater Manchester police’s ability to combat crimes such as terrorism, according to the force’s former police commissioner.
Tony Lloyd, the Labour police commissioner who stood down from a five-year tenure on 9 May, said he “constantly” raised the issue of cuts to police numbers and told the then home secretary that it could cut off a flow of intelligence from local communities.Tony Lloyd, the Labour police commissioner who stood down from a five-year tenure on 9 May, said he “constantly” raised the issue of cuts to police numbers and told the then home secretary that it could cut off a flow of intelligence from local communities.
Lloyd told the Guardian:Lloyd told the Guardian:
The issue [of resources] has certainly been raised with government around counter-terrorism. You begin and end with any form of policing – whether it’s combating organised crime or terrorism with community policing.The issue [of resources] has certainly been raised with government around counter-terrorism. You begin and end with any form of policing – whether it’s combating organised crime or terrorism with community policing.
I constantly raised the issue of resources with the home secretary to stop the cuts. The response that May has always given is that crime has gone down.I constantly raised the issue of resources with the home secretary to stop the cuts. The response that May has always given is that crime has gone down.
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Chris StephenChris Stephen
Libya’s Rada Deterrence Force, which announced the arrest in Tripoli on Wednesday of the brother of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, is arguably the capital’s most powerful militia.Libya’s Rada Deterrence Force, which announced the arrest in Tripoli on Wednesday of the brother of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, is arguably the capital’s most powerful militia.
Led by charismatic commander, Abdulrauf Kara, it is Salafist in character, seeking to enforce Islamic codes banning drink and drugs, but is fiercely opposed to Isis, terrorist groups, and many rival militias.Led by charismatic commander, Abdulrauf Kara, it is Salafist in character, seeking to enforce Islamic codes banning drink and drugs, but is fiercely opposed to Isis, terrorist groups, and many rival militias.
Formed from militiamen who battled against Gaddafi in the 2011 Arab spring, it operates as a self-appointed police force, raiding drug gangs and migrant smugglers’ safe-houses and periodically skirmishing with rival militias.Formed from militiamen who battled against Gaddafi in the 2011 Arab spring, it operates as a self-appointed police force, raiding drug gangs and migrant smugglers’ safe-houses and periodically skirmishing with rival militias.
More organised than other militias, it has a command structure and brings suspects before the courts, earning grudging respect from many Tripolitanians. It has won popular support by tackling the capital’s spate of kidnappings, staging raids to free hostages held by rival militias and posting video of the kidnappers’ confessions online.More organised than other militias, it has a command structure and brings suspects before the courts, earning grudging respect from many Tripolitanians. It has won popular support by tackling the capital’s spate of kidnappings, staging raids to free hostages held by rival militias and posting video of the kidnappers’ confessions online.
Rada is formally linked to the interior ministry but, in practice, it runs its own operations, choosing when to cooperate with the UN-backed government which lacks any security force of its own. Critics complain Rada is not answerable to governing authorities, while supporters say it provides a semblance of law in a lawless city.Rada is formally linked to the interior ministry but, in practice, it runs its own operations, choosing when to cooperate with the UN-backed government which lacks any security force of its own. Critics complain Rada is not answerable to governing authorities, while supporters say it provides a semblance of law in a lawless city.
Kara styles himself as a political pragmatist, telling the New York Times last year that many Libyans might support the return of the monarchy, abolished by Gaddafi in 1969, as a “viable solution” if it brought order to the country’s chaos.Kara styles himself as a political pragmatist, telling the New York Times last year that many Libyans might support the return of the monarchy, abolished by Gaddafi in 1969, as a “viable solution” if it brought order to the country’s chaos.
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Helen PiddHelen Pidd
People in the Swinley area of Wigan, near the town centre, have been describing the drama when Greater Manchester police made their fifth arrest in the Manchester terror investigation this afternoon.People in the Swinley area of Wigan, near the town centre, have been describing the drama when Greater Manchester police made their fifth arrest in the Manchester terror investigation this afternoon.
Soufiane Hamadou, who owns the Fat Olive restaurant on Upper Dicconson Street, said he saw a dozen plain clothed armed police officers swoop on the road shortly before 3pm.Soufiane Hamadou, who owns the Fat Olive restaurant on Upper Dicconson Street, said he saw a dozen plain clothed armed police officers swoop on the road shortly before 3pm.
I was upstairs in the office and heard all this screaming and shouting and saw three unmarked officers in balaclavas with machine guns wrestling a guy to the ground.I was upstairs in the office and heard all this screaming and shouting and saw three unmarked officers in balaclavas with machine guns wrestling a guy to the ground.
They had turned up in unmarked cars: two BMWs, an Audi, a Mercedes van. I don’t know who the man was, I’ve never seen him before. But a taxi driver I was talking to said he knew him said he was a local guy and didn’t mean any trouble.They had turned up in unmarked cars: two BMWs, an Audi, a Mercedes van. I don’t know who the man was, I’ve never seen him before. But a taxi driver I was talking to said he knew him said he was a local guy and didn’t mean any trouble.
He said the man dropped a red bag which was later examined by a man in a white forensic suit. “It was a bit scary,” said Hamadou. “But I’m 53. I can handle it.” Surrounding streets were cordoned off for several hours while detectives gathered evidence. The cordon was lifted shortly after 7pm.He said the man dropped a red bag which was later examined by a man in a white forensic suit. “It was a bit scary,” said Hamadou. “But I’m 53. I can handle it.” Surrounding streets were cordoned off for several hours while detectives gathered evidence. The cordon was lifted shortly after 7pm.
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Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
In the shadow of the statue of Richard Cobden in St Ann’s Square in the heart of Manchester, members of a range of faiths held hands and paused for a moment in silence to reflect on the atrocity that shook the city less than half a mile away.In the shadow of the statue of Richard Cobden in St Ann’s Square in the heart of Manchester, members of a range of faiths held hands and paused for a moment in silence to reflect on the atrocity that shook the city less than half a mile away.
In front of hundreds of floral tributes and candles placed at the base of the statue, the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, and imam Irfan Chishti, of Manchester Central mosque, were among religious figures who joined crowds of Mancunians to express their unity.In front of hundreds of floral tributes and candles placed at the base of the statue, the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, and imam Irfan Chishti, of Manchester Central mosque, were among religious figures who joined crowds of Mancunians to express their unity.
Multi-faith vigil in St Ann's square. Religious leaders came together to pay tribute to victims of arena bombing. pic.twitter.com/clGPQ3sElDMulti-faith vigil in St Ann's square. Religious leaders came together to pay tribute to victims of arena bombing. pic.twitter.com/clGPQ3sElD
Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, led the brief service, which brought some to tears, as he asked the crowd to raise and hold their hands to “send a positive image” of Manchester. “Let’s show solidarity and send a message to the world,” he said.Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, led the brief service, which brought some to tears, as he asked the crowd to raise and hold their hands to “send a positive image” of Manchester. “Let’s show solidarity and send a message to the world,” he said.
Walker told the crowd:Walker told the crowd:
I don’t think I’ve ever been as sad for my city of Manchester as I was first thing yesterday morning when I woke to the news of the attack on Monday night.I don’t think I’ve ever been as sad for my city of Manchester as I was first thing yesterday morning when I woke to the news of the attack on Monday night.
I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of my city of Manchester as I was 12 hours later, yesterday in the evening, when we held the huge vigil in Albert Square.I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of my city of Manchester as I was 12 hours later, yesterday in the evening, when we held the huge vigil in Albert Square.
In the crowd was Ali Wasim, from Manchester, clutching a banner that read “love for all hatred for none”.In the crowd was Ali Wasim, from Manchester, clutching a banner that read “love for all hatred for none”.
Ali Wasim (r) at multi-faith vigil: "We're standing here to shout out message that peace and love and loyalty to the country is important." pic.twitter.com/vWcSmU1qDjAli Wasim (r) at multi-faith vigil: "We're standing here to shout out message that peace and love and loyalty to the country is important." pic.twitter.com/vWcSmU1qDj
Wasim told the Guardian:Wasim told the Guardian:
We’re here to support the victims of the attacks. It’s an atrocity at every level. As Muslims it’s our responsibly to look after our individuals. It’s also propagated by the religion of peace.We’re here to support the victims of the attacks. It’s an atrocity at every level. As Muslims it’s our responsibly to look after our individuals. It’s also propagated by the religion of peace.
We’re here to shout out the message that peace and love and loyalty to the country are very important.We’re here to shout out the message that peace and love and loyalty to the country are very important.
Gulnar Bano Khan Qadri, 49, from Manchester, dressed in a Union Jack headscarf, which she said was “appropriate for the occasion”.Gulnar Bano Khan Qadri, 49, from Manchester, dressed in a Union Jack headscarf, which she said was “appropriate for the occasion”.
"I'm Mancunian. I'm from Manchester... I wanted to do whatever I can." - Gulnar Bano Khan Qadri at multi-faith vigil. pic.twitter.com/cD5MDB0K8Z"I'm Mancunian. I'm from Manchester... I wanted to do whatever I can." - Gulnar Bano Khan Qadri at multi-faith vigil. pic.twitter.com/cD5MDB0K8Z
“I’m Mancunian, I’m from Manchester. I’m so proud of my community. I felt anxiety straight away,” she said of the aftermath of the bombing that claimed 22 lives. “Then I just felt for the children. I felt as if they were my children. When you’ve been a part of a community so long every person feels like your family.”“I’m Mancunian, I’m from Manchester. I’m so proud of my community. I felt anxiety straight away,” she said of the aftermath of the bombing that claimed 22 lives. “Then I just felt for the children. I felt as if they were my children. When you’ve been a part of a community so long every person feels like your family.”
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at 7.26pm BSTat 7.26pm BST
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Steven MorrisSteven Morris
An update on that statement from the Manchester Islamic Centre, which Abedi and members of his family attended, has called on anyone with information about the attack to go to the police.An update on that statement from the Manchester Islamic Centre, which Abedi and members of his family attended, has called on anyone with information about the attack to go to the police.
The centre and mosque in Didsbury tried to distance itself from Abedi, insisting that he had never worked there and claimed some media organisations had manufactured stories about his links with the mosque and the centre.The centre and mosque in Didsbury tried to distance itself from Abedi, insisting that he had never worked there and claimed some media organisations had manufactured stories about his links with the mosque and the centre.
The statement was preceded by a minute’s silence. The director of the centre’s trustees, Mohammad el-Khayat said the centre’s thoughts were with the victims, their family, friends and with “diverse communities across Greater Manchester”.The statement was preceded by a minute’s silence. The director of the centre’s trustees, Mohammad el-Khayat said the centre’s thoughts were with the victims, their family, friends and with “diverse communities across Greater Manchester”.
The horrific atrocity that occurred in Manchester on Monday night has shocked us all. This act of cowardice has no place in our religion or any other religion.The horrific atrocity that occurred in Manchester on Monday night has shocked us all. This act of cowardice has no place in our religion or any other religion.
We encourage anyone who may have information about the individual involved to contact the police without any delay so they can assist with their investigation.We encourage anyone who may have information about the individual involved to contact the police without any delay so they can assist with their investigation.
The Manchester Islamic Centre is a public venue and we welcome thousands of attendees and I do mean thousands – Muslims and non-Muslims. This happens every week.The Manchester Islamic Centre is a public venue and we welcome thousands of attendees and I do mean thousands – Muslims and non-Muslims. This happens every week.
This centre has been part of our fine and great city and the Didsbury community. This has been going on since the 1960s. The doors of this centre are open to all. They are open to all.This centre has been part of our fine and great city and the Didsbury community. This has been going on since the 1960s. The doors of this centre are open to all. They are open to all.
As a centre, we serve all people from all backgrounds and faiths from our food and clothes banks to all our inter-faith dialogues.As a centre, we serve all people from all backgrounds and faiths from our food and clothes banks to all our inter-faith dialogues.
Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at the Manchester Islamic Centre. This is not true. I assure everyone. This bomber has never worked in this centre.Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at the Manchester Islamic Centre. This is not true. I assure everyone. This bomber has never worked in this centre.
We express concern that a very small section of the media are manufacturing stories and making unfounded points.We express concern that a very small section of the media are manufacturing stories and making unfounded points.
We are concerned about reports we are receiving about terrible anti-Muslim acts ranging from verbal abuse to acts of criminal damage to mosques in the area and outside. We encourage any incidents to be reported as a hate crime.We are concerned about reports we are receiving about terrible anti-Muslim acts ranging from verbal abuse to acts of criminal damage to mosques in the area and outside. We encourage any incidents to be reported as a hate crime.
The Manchester Islamic Centre would like to thank this opportunity to thank the police and emergency services as well as ordinary people including taxi drivers, take-aways, restaurants mosques, hotels, home owners, who provided assistance in the immediate aftermath of this atrocity.The Manchester Islamic Centre would like to thank this opportunity to thank the police and emergency services as well as ordinary people including taxi drivers, take-aways, restaurants mosques, hotels, home owners, who provided assistance in the immediate aftermath of this atrocity.
Manchester is a city with a great history and a prosperous and bright future. The Manchester Islamic Centre is proud to be part of this great city of Manchester.Manchester is a city with a great history and a prosperous and bright future. The Manchester Islamic Centre is proud to be part of this great city of Manchester.
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The force that claims to have detained Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of the Manchester bomber, have released an image they say shows him in custody.The force that claims to have detained Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of the Manchester bomber, have released an image they say shows him in custody.
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Ariana Grande’s management have released a statement saying her tour has been suspended.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.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.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.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.
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Details of bomb thought to have been used in Manchester releasedDetails 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 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”.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: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.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 ...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 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.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.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.
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at 7.49pm BSTat 7.49pm BST