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Manchester attack: government 'furious' at US leaks of forensic photographs – live updates Manchester attack: government 'furious' at US leaks of forensic photographs – live updates
(35 minutes later)
5.27am BST
05:27
The mother and grandmother of Sorrell Leczkowski were injured in the blast that killed her, police have said.
Her grandmother Pauline Healey is in intensive care, and her mother Samantha is recovering from surgery “as she tries to make sense of the devastating loss of her daughter”, a family statement said.
5.07am BST
05:07
The grandfather of 14-year-old Sorrell Leczkowski, who was killed in the blast, has paid tribute to her.
Michael Healey said he was “absolutely heartbroken”:
Sorrell was only 14, but she was our rock, she kept us all grounded. She was such a clever, talented, creative girl, there was nothing she couldn’t do.
4.48am BST4.48am BST
04:4804:48
The focus of the police investigation is whether Salman Abedi was part of a wider terror network, Ian Cobain and Ewen MacAskill report:The focus of the police investigation is whether Salman Abedi was part of a wider terror network, Ian Cobain and Ewen MacAskill report:
Police and the security service are focusing upon the Libyan connections of the Manchester suicide bomber. Salman Abedi travelled to see his mother, father, younger brother and sister in Libya last week but Whitehall sources said they suspected there were also what they termed “nefarious purposes” behind his visit to Tripoli.Police and the security service are focusing upon the Libyan connections of the Manchester suicide bomber. Salman Abedi travelled to see his mother, father, younger brother and sister in Libya last week but Whitehall sources said they suspected there were also what they termed “nefarious purposes” behind his visit to Tripoli.
His father, Ramadan, and younger brother, Hashem, 20, were reported to have been arrested by a militia in Tripoli on suspicion of having links with Islamic State.His father, Ramadan, and younger brother, Hashem, 20, were reported to have been arrested by a militia in Tripoli on suspicion of having links with Islamic State.
British police were also investigating Abedi’s connections in Manchester, including among the city’s Libyan community.British police were also investigating Abedi’s connections in Manchester, including among the city’s Libyan community.
Greater Manchester police’s chief constable, Ian Hopkins, said the public should be aware that “this is a network that we are investigating”, while the home secretary, Amber Rudd, said that the relatively sophisticated nature of the attack suggested he may have had support. Pictures of the remnants of the bomb that emerged on Wednesday suggested that whoever constructed it was an expert.Greater Manchester police’s chief constable, Ian Hopkins, said the public should be aware that “this is a network that we are investigating”, while the home secretary, Amber Rudd, said that the relatively sophisticated nature of the attack suggested he may have had support. Pictures of the remnants of the bomb that emerged on Wednesday suggested that whoever constructed it was an expert.
“It seems likely, possible, that he wasn’t doing this on his own,” Rudd said.“It seems likely, possible, that he wasn’t doing this on his own,” Rudd said.
Among the greatest concerns of the police and the security service are that Abedi may not have constructed the bomb that he detonated at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, meaning a bomb-maker remains at large.Among the greatest concerns of the police and the security service are that Abedi may not have constructed the bomb that he detonated at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, meaning a bomb-maker remains at large.
4.19am BST4.19am BST
04:1904:19
Woman arrested released without chargeWoman arrested released without charge
Greater Manchester police says the woman detained in Blackley on Wednesday in connection with the attack has been released without charge.Greater Manchester police says the woman detained in Blackley on Wednesday in connection with the attack has been released without charge.
Six men are still being questioned.Six men are still being questioned.
4.14am BST4.14am BST
04:1404:14
Sky News reports that police believe these CCTV images show Salman Abedi, the bomber, in Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre on Friday evening last week.Sky News reports that police believe these CCTV images show Salman Abedi, the bomber, in Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre on Friday evening last week.
The images suggest he purchased the blue rucksack which – according to images from the blast scene leaked to the New York Times – he had with him when he launched his attack on the arena.The images suggest he purchased the blue rucksack which – according to images from the blast scene leaked to the New York Times – he had with him when he launched his attack on the arena.
Manchester suicide bomber's movements 'caught on CCTV' https://t.co/6Ygp2sBSRxManchester suicide bomber's movements 'caught on CCTV' https://t.co/6Ygp2sBSRx
3.53am BST3.53am BST
03:5303:53
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has criticised intelligence leaks that have seen key details of the investigation reported in the US media.Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has criticised intelligence leaks that have seen key details of the investigation reported in the US media.
Burnham told BBC2’s Newnight on Wednesday evening that the leaks were “not acceptable” and could compromise the investigation:Burnham told BBC2’s Newnight on Wednesday evening that the leaks were “not acceptable” and could compromise the investigation:
It troubles me. On Monday evening when the reports were first coming through to me, I agreed with the chief constable and others we would take a cautious approach to putting public information out because we wouldn’t want to get anything wrong or compromise the police investigation.It troubles me. On Monday evening when the reports were first coming through to me, I agreed with the chief constable and others we would take a cautious approach to putting public information out because we wouldn’t want to get anything wrong or compromise the police investigation.
And yet the first reports were coming seemingly out of the United States. So that is concerning, because obviously you want international cooperation when it comes to sharing of information because events like this can have that broader dimension. But it worries me greatly and in fact I made known my concerns about it to the US ambassador.And yet the first reports were coming seemingly out of the United States. So that is concerning, because obviously you want international cooperation when it comes to sharing of information because events like this can have that broader dimension. But it worries me greatly and in fact I made known my concerns about it to the US ambassador.
It’s not acceptable to me … there is a live investigation taking place; we cannot have information being put in the public domain that’s not in the direct control of the British police and security services …It’s not acceptable to me … there is a live investigation taking place; we cannot have information being put in the public domain that’s not in the direct control of the British police and security services …
Many terrorist atrocities have an international dimension where security services from around the world need to cooperate quickly. But they’ve got to do that, surely, on a basis of trust and confidentiality. And to have information put in the public domain before it was put there by people here is just wrong.Many terrorist atrocities have an international dimension where security services from around the world need to cooperate quickly. But they’ve got to do that, surely, on a basis of trust and confidentiality. And to have information put in the public domain before it was put there by people here is just wrong.
3.31am BST3.31am BST
03:3103:31
Greater Manchester police earlier confirmed its officers had carried out a controlled explosion in Moss Side.Greater Manchester police earlier confirmed its officers had carried out a controlled explosion in Moss Side.
Locals reported hearing a “loud bang” in the area south of the city centre at around 1.45am on Thursday, Press Association reports.Locals reported hearing a “loud bang” in the area south of the city centre at around 1.45am on Thursday, Press Association reports.
The explosion was heard in the neighbouring areas of Rusholme and Fallowfield, with concerned locals taking to social media. One wrote: “Does anyone know if the loud bang heard at 1:45amish this morning in/near Moss Side & Rusholme was an un/controlled explosion?”The explosion was heard in the neighbouring areas of Rusholme and Fallowfield, with concerned locals taking to social media. One wrote: “Does anyone know if the loud bang heard at 1:45amish this morning in/near Moss Side & Rusholme was an un/controlled explosion?”
3.07am BST3.07am BST
03:0703:07
At a Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday, Theresa May will meet Donald Trump and is expected to challenge him about the stream of leaks of crucial intelligence about the Manchester bomb attack that has appeared in the US media:At a Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday, Theresa May will meet Donald Trump and is expected to challenge him about the stream of leaks of crucial intelligence about the Manchester bomb attack that has appeared in the US media:
British officials were infuriated on Wednesday when the New York Times published forensic photographs of sophisticated bomb parts that UK authorities fear could complicate the expanding investigation into the lethal blast.British officials were infuriated on Wednesday when the New York Times published forensic photographs of sophisticated bomb parts that UK authorities fear could complicate the expanding investigation into the lethal blast.
It was the latest of a series of leaks to US journalists that appeared to come from inside the US intelligence community, passing on data that had been shared between the two countries as part of a long-standing security cooperation.It was the latest of a series of leaks to US journalists that appeared to come from inside the US intelligence community, passing on data that had been shared between the two countries as part of a long-standing security cooperation.
A senior Whitehall source said: “These images from inside the American system are clearly distressing to victims, their families and other members of the public. Protests have been lodged at every relevant level between the British authorities and our US counterparts. They are in no doubt about our huge strength of feeling on this issue. It is unacceptable.”A senior Whitehall source said: “These images from inside the American system are clearly distressing to victims, their families and other members of the public. Protests have been lodged at every relevant level between the British authorities and our US counterparts. They are in no doubt about our huge strength of feeling on this issue. It is unacceptable.”
Police chiefs also criticised the leaking of information from the investigation. A National Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: “We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world.Police chiefs also criticised the leaking of information from the investigation. A National Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: “We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world.
“When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter-terrorism investigation.”“When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter-terrorism investigation.”
2.39am BST2.39am BST
02:3902:39
Controlled explosion in Moss SideControlled explosion in Moss Side
Greater Manchester police has just issued a statement:Greater Manchester police has just issued a statement:
This morning (Thursday 25 May 2017) we have been carrying out searches at an address in the Moss Side area during which a controlled explosion took place.This morning (Thursday 25 May 2017) we have been carrying out searches at an address in the Moss Side area during which a controlled explosion took place.
These searches are connected to Monday’s attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast-moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.These searches are connected to Monday’s attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast-moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.
As it stands, six men and one woman have been arrested in conjunction with the investigation and remain in custody for questioning.As it stands, six men and one woman have been arrested in conjunction with the investigation and remain in custody for questioning.
2.28am BST2.28am BST
02:2802:28
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Fiyaz Mughal, founder of Tell MAMA, which monitors and records Islamophobic hate crimes, said there had been a “measurable” spike in incidents targeting Muslims in the last 24 hours, including verbal abuse, spitting and headscarfs being pulled from the heads of Muslim women:Fiyaz Mughal, founder of Tell MAMA, which monitors and records Islamophobic hate crimes, said there had been a “measurable” spike in incidents targeting Muslims in the last 24 hours, including verbal abuse, spitting and headscarfs being pulled from the heads of Muslim women:
After the major terrorist incident we have seen a measurable spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents coming into Tell MAMA.After the major terrorist incident we have seen a measurable spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents coming into Tell MAMA.
The pattern has been followed in this case, with a time lag and then a measurable spike of hate incidents. These range from general street level abuse to online hate and threats, and the Oldham mosque case of arson after Manchester. So there is a clear measurable spike.The pattern has been followed in this case, with a time lag and then a measurable spike of hate incidents. These range from general street level abuse to online hate and threats, and the Oldham mosque case of arson after Manchester. So there is a clear measurable spike.
Mughal said there was not as dramatic a spike after the Westminster attack in March that claimed the lives of five people, including a police officer:Mughal said there was not as dramatic a spike after the Westminster attack in March that claimed the lives of five people, including a police officer:
The reality is that each terrorist attack is unique in the impacts that it causes. The Westminster terrorist attack, we assumed, would cause a spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents and it did not to any major level. The spike was small and clearly, in relation to anti-Muslim hate incidents, the impact was low.The reality is that each terrorist attack is unique in the impacts that it causes. The Westminster terrorist attack, we assumed, would cause a spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents and it did not to any major level. The spike was small and clearly, in relation to anti-Muslim hate incidents, the impact was low.
Therefore, who is attacked through terrorism seems to be related to how much of a blowback effect there will be against communities and Muslims, if a member of the community is the perpetrator. So each situation is unique, but Manchester clearly affects us all given that innocent young children and their parents were targeted.Therefore, who is attacked through terrorism seems to be related to how much of a blowback effect there will be against communities and Muslims, if a member of the community is the perpetrator. So each situation is unique, but Manchester clearly affects us all given that innocent young children and their parents were targeted.
2.02am BST2.02am BST
02:0202:02
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
The father of Salman Abedi, the Manchester Arena suicide bomber, fought against the Gaddafi regime with a group that was designated a terrorist organisation by the US, according to a man who says he fought alongside him.The father of Salman Abedi, the Manchester Arena suicide bomber, fought against the Gaddafi regime with a group that was designated a terrorist organisation by the US, according to a man who says he fought alongside him.
Salman Abedi, 22 is thought to have returned from Libya as recently as this week. His parents, Ramadan Abedi and Samia Tabbal, who escaped the Gaddafi regime in the early 1990s and fled to the UK, now live in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.Salman Abedi, 22 is thought to have returned from Libya as recently as this week. His parents, Ramadan Abedi and Samia Tabbal, who escaped the Gaddafi regime in the early 1990s and fled to the UK, now live in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
Their youngest son, Hashem, 20, is also believed to be with them in Libya – and on Wednesday both Hashem and Ramadan were said to have been arrested, reportedly by a local militia.Their youngest son, Hashem, 20, is also believed to be with them in Libya – and on Wednesday both Hashem and Ramadan were said to have been arrested, reportedly by a local militia.
Akram Ramadan, 49, who fought with Ramadan Abedi in the Libyan revolution, said he was passionate about overthrowing a regime that had “displaced thousands of his brethren … It was something we all felt we had to do. Some were more radical than others but we all shared a common cause.”Akram Ramadan, 49, who fought with Ramadan Abedi in the Libyan revolution, said he was passionate about overthrowing a regime that had “displaced thousands of his brethren … It was something we all felt we had to do. Some were more radical than others but we all shared a common cause.”
1.46am BST
01:46
Here is Thursday’s Guardian front page:
The Guardian front page, Thursday 25.05.17: May to confront Trump as US leaks crucial bombing evidence pic.twitter.com/ec5nzBmvkG
1.33am BST
01:33
The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, launched by Manchester city council, the British Red Cross and the Manchester Evening News, has raised over £2m in its first 24 hours.
Donations can be made at www.redcross.org.uk/manchester
The Red Cross began the appeal with a £50,000 donation from its disaster fund, boosted by £1m collected by Manchester’s newspaper in its We Stand Together appeal.
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has pledged £100,000, as has the Wayne Rooney Foundation. The Arsenal Foundation has contributed £50,000.
1.07am BST
01:07
16 of 22 victims named
We now know the names of 16 of the people killed by the bombing at Manchester Arena. They are:
Michelle Kiss, 45
Olivia Campbell, 15
Martyn Hett, 29
Kelly Brewster, 32
Saffie Rose Roussos, eight
Georgina Callander, 18
John Atkinson, 28
Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47
Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42
Nell Jones, 14
Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14
Chloe Rutherford, 17
Liam Curry, 19
12.57am BST
00:57
Claire Phipps
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog again.
Seven people remain in custody overnight as police continue to investigate if bomber Salman Abedi was part of a wider network.
Six men and one woman were arrested in a series of raids in Manchester, Wigan and Nuneaton.
12.36am BST
00:36
Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry confirmed dead
The families of 17-year-old Chloe Rutherford and 19-year-old Liam Curry, who both died in the attack, have paid tribute to them.
Tribute from the family of Chloe Rutherford, 17, and the family of Liam Curry, 19 pic.twitter.com/nVNf8dS0ZQ
Updated
at 12.56am BST
12.33am BST
00:33
Theresa May will urge Nato allies to take on a greater role in the fight against terrorism in the wake of Monday’s attack.
During a summit on Thursday, she will tell the fellow members of the alliance they need to show the same resolve in countering terrorism as they do in responding to the threat from Russia.
May will express her gratitude for the support of Nato allies following the “callous and cowardly” attack in Manchester which she will say was “all the more sickening for the way it targeted innocent and defenceless children and young people”. She will tell them:
A strong capable and united Nato is at the heart of the security of each and every one of our nations. Our unity in responding to common threats is our most potent weapon,” she is expected to say.
We must redouble our resolve to meet the threats to our shared society, whether from terrorism or from Russia.
May also intends to confront Donald Trump about the US’ leaking of intelligence related to the Manchester bomb attack.
11.49pm BST
23:49
The former Labour minister, Douglas Alexander, has an interesting insight into the deliberations at the highest level of government about raising the threat level:
1/7 In 2006, when the threat level was raised to 'critical' due to the transatlantic airliner plot, I was the Secy of State for Transport.
2/7The Security Services had suspects under surveillance (who were subsequently convicted) but we didn't know if there were others at large
3/7 The Joint Terrorist Assessment Centre therefore made the 'critical' assessment which John Reid, the Home Secretary, and I accepted.
4/7 I saw for myself during those difficult days the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of those we ask & rely on to keep us safe.
5/7 They represent the best of public service. Believe me - their concern is public safety. Political calculation doesn't even register.
6/7 At the moment Ministers, the Police & the Agencies have a difficult & vital set of responsibilities given the Manchester attack.
7/7 Right now they deserve more than the benefit of the doubt.They deserve our support. There will be time - later - for election arguments
11.25pm BST
23:25
Manchester United players have dedicated tonight’s Europa League win to the city.
For Manchester. pic.twitter.com/UgWP5eLQyi
They beat AFC Ajax 2-0 in the final in Stockholm to win the European trophy on Wednesday.
Manchester City also posted a message of defiance and fraternity:
pic.twitter.com/Kz89wXt8It
11.08pm BST
23:08
Salman Abedi’s sister, Jomana, believes the Manchester attacker was motivated by revenge for the deaths of Muslims in Syria, the Wall Street Journal reports (£). She told the paper:
I think he saw children - Muslim children - dying everywhere, and wanted revenge. He saw the explosives America drops on children in Syria, and he wanted revenge. Whether he got that is between him and God.
The paper said that Abdul Wahab Hafidah, a friend of Salman Abedi, died in May last year after being run down by a car and then stabbed; an incident Abedi believed to be a hate crime. “I remember Salman at his funeral vowing revenge,” the paper quoted an unnamed Abedi family friend as saying.
Relatives said Salman Abedi became increasingly religious and held increasingly extremist views. A cousin, who the paper said had declined to be identified, said the attacker’s parents worried he was turning towards violence. It quoted the family friend as adding: “We knew he was going to cause trouble. You could see that something was going to happen, sooner or later.”
Updated
at 11.09pm BST
10.47pm BST
22:47
UK police make seventh arrest
Greater Manchester police say they have arrested a man in Nuneaton, in Warwickshire in connection with Monday night’s attack.
Searches carried out in Nuneaton pic.twitter.com/MYzehrc1Jj
As the statement above makes clear, six men and one woman have now been arrested by UK police. Each is in custody and is being questioned by police. There are also reports of relatives of the bomber having been detained by militia in Libya.
Updated
at 11.11pm BST