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Manchester bombing: more victims named as threat level is raised to critical – live news Manchester bombing: more victims named as threat level is raised to critical – live news
(35 minutes later)
8.00am BST
08:00
Military to guard Downing Street and Buckingham Palace
Vikram Dodd
Scotland Yard say soldiers will help guard Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers, police say.
7.55am BST
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Rudd: Abedi known to intelligence services 'up to a point'
Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has been speaking to Sky News about the raising of the threat level, ahead of another meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra meeting this morning.
She says it is a necessary step:
What we are being told is that it’s an ongoing investigation, an active operation … Until we can be reassured there is no continued activity … that it is entirely safe … then it is right that we are at this heightened state of alert.
Rudd says the decision to raise the threat level was “intelligence-driven”, but she is reluctant to say whether the attacker, Salman Abedi, was on a watch list:
We do know that he was known, up to a point, to the intelligence services. I can’t be drawn on [how].
She says the intelligence services “do a remarkably good job”, adding that they have “foiled 13 plots since 2013”:
We need to give them the space they need to continue their investigation.
Rudd says officials are very aware that there are a lot of large public events this weekend, including the football cup finals in England and Scotland, and says the police “will provide additional support”:
I am reassuring people by saying we need to carry on with our way of life but we need to be aware … staying alert, reporting anything that they see, being a bit more vigilant than normal.
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The names of the two Polish citizens killed in the attack have not been confirmed. But Poland’s foreign minister, Witold Waszczykowski, identified them as a couple who had been waiting for their daughters at the arena:
Polish Foreign Secretary Waszczykowski says that the couple was waiting for their two daughters who attended the gig https://t.co/cgL80iWWuU
Foreign Secretary Waszczykowski also said a Polish man suffered severe injuries in the attack & had to undergo a surgery, but is stable now
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In the hours after the attack took place, much of the information about the victims – along with the name of the perpetrator – was reported first on US news networks, prompting questions over the apparent leaking of intelligence, David Smith and Ewen MacAskill report:
American officials have been criticised for leaking the identity of the Manchester bomber before British police officially named him.
Although UK journalists had Salman Abedi’s name, the UK government and Greater Manchester police declined to confirm it more than two hours after it appeared in the US press. Earlier in the day, the government indicated it might not release the name at all on Tuesday because the investigation was continuing.
The Trump administration’s apparent indiscretion seems likely to cause consternation in London and could raise questions about future cooperation in the long term.
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The Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, chaired a meeting of the devolved government’s resilience committee in the early hours of this morning, at which ministers were briefed by Police Scotland about the raising of the UK threat level.
Sturgeon said:
While raising the UK terror threat level to critical has been judged a necessary response to the despicable attack in Manchester, we must not allow terrorism to triumph.
I urge the people of Scotland to be vigilant but not alarmed and, as far as possible, to go about their business as usual. Police Scotland have already visibly increased their presence in locations such as transport hubs and city centres as a precaution.
Security arrangements for upcoming public events, including this weekend’s Scottish Cup final, are being thoroughly reviewed and the public should anticipate additional safety measures such as full body and bag searches.
Our emergency services prepare extensively for situations such as this, and those well-rehearsed plans are now being put into practice.
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Two Polish nationals among the deadTwo Polish nationals among the dead
The Polish foreign minister has confirmed that “at least two Polish nationals” were killed in the attack on Manchester, and one is injured.The Polish foreign minister has confirmed that “at least two Polish nationals” were killed in the attack on Manchester, and one is injured.
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Theresa May last night said the government had raised the threat level from severe to critical for the first time since July 2007. The elevation to the highest notch means “not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent”.Theresa May last night said the government had raised the threat level from severe to critical for the first time since July 2007. The elevation to the highest notch means “not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent”.
What it also means is that soldiers will be immediately deployed to Britain’s streets to support the police. In an operation codenamed Temperer, military officials will patrol key sites and public events.What it also means is that soldiers will be immediately deployed to Britain’s streets to support the police. In an operation codenamed Temperer, military officials will patrol key sites and public events.
This will include an extra armed presence at the FA Cup final at Wembley and the Premiership rugby final at Twickenham this weekend. The Scottish government is also reviewing security for the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.This will include an extra armed presence at the FA Cup final at Wembley and the Premiership rugby final at Twickenham this weekend. The Scottish government is also reviewing security for the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
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A 23-year-old man arrested in Chorlton, south Manchester, on Tuesday morning is still being questioned by police. It is believed that he is Ismael Abedi, the brother of the perpetrator, Salman Abedi, but police have not confirmed this.A 23-year-old man arrested in Chorlton, south Manchester, on Tuesday morning is still being questioned by police. It is believed that he is Ismael Abedi, the brother of the perpetrator, Salman Abedi, but police have not confirmed this.
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Alan TravisAlan Travis
The decision to raise the official threat level to critical and to deploy troops under Operation Temperer, meaning that an attack is expected imminently, is the first time for a decade that it has been set at its highest level.The decision to raise the official threat level to critical and to deploy troops under Operation Temperer, meaning that an attack is expected imminently, is the first time for a decade that it has been set at its highest level.
The last time troops under Operation Temperer were deployed was immediately after the terrorist attacks in Brussels last year, but they were only used covertly as backup for the visible armed police presence at railway stations and airports.The last time troops under Operation Temperer were deployed was immediately after the terrorist attacks in Brussels last year, but they were only used covertly as backup for the visible armed police presence at railway stations and airports.
It means that up to 5,000 armed troops can be deployed at transport hubs and other crowded public places in order to release the armed police for other duties.It means that up to 5,000 armed troops can be deployed at transport hubs and other crowded public places in order to release the armed police for other duties.
The threat level has only twice before been raised to critical since the system of official threat levels was introduced on 1 August 2006. It was raised for three days from 10 August 2006 at the time of the transatlantic airliner plot, and on 30 June 2007 when the security services uncovered a plot to bomb a nightclub on London’s Haymarket. This was a plot that culminated in the attack on Glasgow airport.The threat level has only twice before been raised to critical since the system of official threat levels was introduced on 1 August 2006. It was raised for three days from 10 August 2006 at the time of the transatlantic airliner plot, and on 30 June 2007 when the security services uncovered a plot to bomb a nightclub on London’s Haymarket. This was a plot that culminated in the attack on Glasgow airport.
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Alison Howe and Lisa Lees confirmed among deadAlison Howe and Lisa Lees confirmed among dead
Two more victims of the blast have been named. They are Alison Howe and Lisa Lees.Two more victims of the blast have been named. They are Alison Howe and Lisa Lees.
The two women were waiting in the foyer of Manchester Arena to collect their 15-year-old daughters, who were at the Ariana Grande concert. The girls are safe, the Mirror reports this morning, but their mothers both died in the attack.The two women were waiting in the foyer of Manchester Arena to collect their 15-year-old daughters, who were at the Ariana Grande concert. The girls are safe, the Mirror reports this morning, but their mothers both died in the attack.
Lee Hunter, Lisa Lees’s brother, wrote on Facebook: “For those who don’t know, Lisa is gone but never, ever forgotten. I love you Lisa. I’ll miss you so much.”Lee Hunter, Lisa Lees’s brother, wrote on Facebook: “For those who don’t know, Lisa is gone but never, ever forgotten. I love you Lisa. I’ll miss you so much.”
Jordan Howe, who yesterday spoke to the Guardian as he searched hospitals for his missing stepmother, confirmed she too had died, posting on Facebook: “They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all. She was amazing to us all x love you loads Alison Howe.”Jordan Howe, who yesterday spoke to the Guardian as he searched hospitals for his missing stepmother, confirmed she too had died, posting on Facebook: “They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all. She was amazing to us all x love you loads Alison Howe.”
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Greater Manchester police have welcomed the upping of the threat level. In an overnight statement, the deputy chief constable, Ian Pilling, said:Greater Manchester police have welcomed the upping of the threat level. In an overnight statement, the deputy chief constable, Ian Pilling, said:
Raising the threat level to critical … will support our ongoing investigation. People across Greater Manchester have seen an increased police presence throughout the day and this will continue. They will be seen at key locations across the region.Raising the threat level to critical … will support our ongoing investigation. People across Greater Manchester have seen an increased police presence throughout the day and this will continue. They will be seen at key locations across the region.
We are continuing to work with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence services as part of the response to dealing with the tragic events that took place 24 hours ago.We are continuing to work with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence services as part of the response to dealing with the tragic events that took place 24 hours ago.
We would ask people to remain vigilant as they have been throughout the day and report anything in confidence to the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321 or in an emergency 999.We would ask people to remain vigilant as they have been throughout the day and report anything in confidence to the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321 or in an emergency 999.
People have shown tremendous strength and resilience throughout the day and we need this to continue in the difficult days ahead.People have shown tremendous strength and resilience throughout the day and we need this to continue in the difficult days ahead.
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We now know the names of five of the 22 people who died in the terror attack. They were:We now know the names of five of the 22 people who died in the terror attack. They were:
Olivia Campbell, 15Olivia Campbell, 15
Kelly Brewster, 32Kelly Brewster, 32
Saffie Rose Roussos, eightSaffie Rose Roussos, eight
Georgina Callander, 18Georgina Callander, 18
John Atkinson, 28John Atkinson, 28
An emergency number is available for those concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. The National Casualty Bureau number to call is 0800 096 0095.An emergency number is available for those concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. The National Casualty Bureau number to call is 0800 096 0095.
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Jason BurkeJason Burke
In recent years a shift has occurred: attacks on “lifestyle” targets have become increasingly common. Why this shift, and why are such targets so apparently attractive to a terrorist?In recent years a shift has occurred: attacks on “lifestyle” targets have become increasingly common. Why this shift, and why are such targets so apparently attractive to a terrorist?
One reason is that the more obvious targets – the military bases, embassies, government offices, airports and so on – are better protected than they were a decade ago. Terrorist targets are often determined by what is feasible, not by what fits a master plan.One reason is that the more obvious targets – the military bases, embassies, government offices, airports and so on – are better protected than they were a decade ago. Terrorist targets are often determined by what is feasible, not by what fits a master plan.
Another reason for the shift is that al-Qaida, now relatively weaker than before, and Islamic State, which has become pre-eminent among jihadis, differ on tactics and strategy, even if their aims coincide. The veterans of al-Qaida prioritise building support for their extremist project and try to strike targets that they believe potential sympathisers will regard as legitimate. They may justify some attacks as being in line with their reading of Islamic law which calls for fair retaliation – in their case for Muslim casualties of western military actions. Others can be justified by deeming citizens of western nations collectively responsible for the acts of their governments.Another reason for the shift is that al-Qaida, now relatively weaker than before, and Islamic State, which has become pre-eminent among jihadis, differ on tactics and strategy, even if their aims coincide. The veterans of al-Qaida prioritise building support for their extremist project and try to strike targets that they believe potential sympathisers will regard as legitimate. They may justify some attacks as being in line with their reading of Islamic law which calls for fair retaliation – in their case for Muslim casualties of western military actions. Others can be justified by deeming citizens of western nations collectively responsible for the acts of their governments.
But even al-Qaida would probably consider killing teenagers at a concert to be beyond the pale.But even al-Qaida would probably consider killing teenagers at a concert to be beyond the pale.
Not Isis however. The group relies on escalating brutality to terrorise target populations, whether in the west or the Middle East.Not Isis however. The group relies on escalating brutality to terrorise target populations, whether in the west or the Middle East.
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Kelly Brewster’s partner, Ian Winslow, has confirmed that she was among those killed in the attack.Kelly Brewster’s partner, Ian Winslow, has confirmed that she was among those killed in the attack.
He wrote on Facebook:He wrote on Facebook:
Not sure how this works but it isn’t good news. Kelly Brewster wasn’t one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.Not sure how this works but it isn’t good news. Kelly Brewster wasn’t one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.
Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated, like we all are.Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated, like we all are.
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Killer had recently visited Libya – reportsKiller had recently visited Libya – reports
There are reports that Salman Abedi, named as the perpetrator of the attack, had visited Libya recently, with some saying he returned to the UK only days before he killed 22 people at the Manchester Arena.There are reports that Salman Abedi, named as the perpetrator of the attack, had visited Libya recently, with some saying he returned to the UK only days before he killed 22 people at the Manchester Arena.
The Times reports that he spent time in Libya, citing an unnamed school friend:The Times reports that he spent time in Libya, citing an unnamed school friend:
He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago.He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago.
Abedi was British, but his family is from Libya. The Guardian understands that his father, Abu Ismail Abedi, is thought to be in Tripoli. The Sun reports that Salman Abedi may have used trips to Libya to travel to Syria. This has not been confirmed.Abedi was British, but his family is from Libya. The Guardian understands that his father, Abu Ismail Abedi, is thought to be in Tripoli. The Sun reports that Salman Abedi may have used trips to Libya to travel to Syria. This has not been confirmed.
The Guardian has one of the first pictures of Abedi, taken during an Islamic class at the Didsbury mosque:The Guardian has one of the first pictures of Abedi, taken during an Islamic class at the Didsbury mosque:
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Kelly Brewster, who was 32, also died in the blast, her family has confirmed to the Daily Mail.Kelly Brewster, who was 32, also died in the blast, her family has confirmed to the Daily Mail.
Brewster had attended the Ariana Grande concert with her sister Claire and niece, Hollie Booth. They were both injured in the attack and are being treated in hospital.Brewster had attended the Ariana Grande concert with her sister Claire and niece, Hollie Booth. They were both injured in the attack and are being treated in hospital.
Friends of Brewster have paid tribute to her on on social media. Her uncle, Paul Dryhurst, earlier described how she had been caught up in the blast:Friends of Brewster have paid tribute to her on on social media. Her uncle, Paul Dryhurst, earlier described how she had been caught up in the blast:
Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage. The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her, and Kelly behind her.Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage. The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her, and Kelly behind her.
When the bomb has gone off, the impact has broken Claire’s jaw and broken Hollie’s legs. They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.When the bomb has gone off, the impact has broken Claire’s jaw and broken Hollie’s legs. They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.
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Olivia Campbell, 15, who had been missing since the blast, has died, her mother has confirmed. The teenager was the subject of a massive social media campaign to find her after she could not be contacted in the wake of the explosion.Olivia Campbell, 15, who had been missing since the blast, has died, her mother has confirmed. The teenager was the subject of a massive social media campaign to find her after she could not be contacted in the wake of the explosion.
Her mother, Charlotte Campbell, confirmed overnight that Olivia had died, in a public Facebook post dedicated to “my darling precious gorgeous girl”.Her mother, Charlotte Campbell, confirmed overnight that Olivia had died, in a public Facebook post dedicated to “my darling precious gorgeous girl”.
She spoke to the media on Tuesday about her desperate attempts to make contact with her daughter:She spoke to the media on Tuesday about her desperate attempts to make contact with her daughter:
I’m at home phoning everybody: hospitals, police, the centres that the children have been put in. Her dad’s in Manchester looking for her. I’ve got friends looking for her. I’ve got people I don’t even know looking for her, people messaging me, saying we’ve got her photo, looking for her, we’ll get in contact if we see her. And I’m just hearing nothing. Her phone’s dead…I’m at home phoning everybody: hospitals, police, the centres that the children have been put in. Her dad’s in Manchester looking for her. I’ve got friends looking for her. I’ve got people I don’t even know looking for her, people messaging me, saying we’ve got her photo, looking for her, we’ll get in contact if we see her. And I’m just hearing nothing. Her phone’s dead…
They’ve basically told me to stay put and wait for a phone call. I daren’t leave the house just in case she somehow gets home.They’ve basically told me to stay put and wait for a phone call. I daren’t leave the house just in case she somehow gets home.
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Soldiers are to be deployed on Britain’s streets after the threat level was raised from severe to critical, meaning officials believe another terrorist attack may be imminent.Soldiers are to be deployed on Britain’s streets after the threat level was raised from severe to critical, meaning officials believe another terrorist attack may be imminent.
The move came in the wake of the suicide bombing of Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and injured 59 more.The move came in the wake of the suicide bombing of Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and injured 59 more.
The perpetrator has been identified as Salman Abedi, 22, a Mancunian of Libyan descent. He walked into the lobby of the arena on Monday evening as thousands of people were exiting an Ariana Grande concert, detonating an improvised device that murdered and maimed many.The perpetrator has been identified as Salman Abedi, 22, a Mancunian of Libyan descent. He walked into the lobby of the arena on Monday evening as thousands of people were exiting an Ariana Grande concert, detonating an improvised device that murdered and maimed many.
Among those he killed were eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos; Georgina Callander, 18; and John Atkinson, 28.Among those he killed were eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos; Georgina Callander, 18; and John Atkinson, 28.
Overnight, the names of two more victims have been revealed: Kelly Brewster, 32, and Olivia Campbell, who was 15. Her mother Charlotte Campbell paid tribute to her “darling precious gorgeous girl”.Overnight, the names of two more victims have been revealed: Kelly Brewster, 32, and Olivia Campbell, who was 15. Her mother Charlotte Campbell paid tribute to her “darling precious gorgeous girl”.
Several people remain missing, many of them teenagers, with family and friends continuing to share their names and pictures on social media.Several people remain missing, many of them teenagers, with family and friends continuing to share their names and pictures on social media.
In messages posted online, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but this has not been confirmed by officials investigating the blast. There are reports today that Abedi had recently returned from a trip to Libya.In messages posted online, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but this has not been confirmed by officials investigating the blast. There are reports today that Abedi had recently returned from a trip to Libya.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning in south Manchester, and is believed to be Ismael Abedi, the brother of the perpetrator.A 23-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning in south Manchester, and is believed to be Ismael Abedi, the brother of the perpetrator.
All parties have suspended campaigning for the 8 June general election.All parties have suspended campaigning for the 8 June general election.
The prime minister, Theresa May, condemned the attack as:The prime minister, Theresa May, condemned the attack as:
Appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.Appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.
A vigil held in Manchester’s Albert Square on Tuesday evening drew thousands in solidarity with those killed and wounded.A vigil held in Manchester’s Albert Square on Tuesday evening drew thousands in solidarity with those killed and wounded.
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