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Manchester bombing: more victims named as threat level is raised to critical – live updates Manchester bombing: more victims named as threat level is raised to critical – live news
(35 minutes later)
9.38am BST
09:38
Sam Jones
The Manchester atrocity has prompted the Spanish government to urge better intelligence sharing and increased trust across the EU.
Speaking on Tuesday Spain’s foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, said member states had to work together to put an end to what he called “this wretched scourge”.
Dastis, who previously served as Spain’s representative to the EU, added: “We have to work together, especially by pooling the information we have, with the awareness that no one is exempt from this madness.”
To that end, he said, all the members of the union needed to “establish a level of trust that allows for the fluid exchange of information”.
While he acknowledged progress on cooperation was being made, Dastis said: “I think that when it comes to this fight we must still improve the sharing of information and our joint work in this area.”
Following the attacks in Paris in November 2015, which killed 130 people, it emerged that the intelligence services in France and Belgium had previously identified the perpetrators as radicals. But despite compiling dossiers on them, the security services failed to join them up.
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has spoken of the British government’s irritation that the name of the Manchester suicide bomber, Salman Ramadan Abedi, was released by the Americans. As she was speaking, her French counterpart revealed that Britain had told French officials Abedi probably travelled to Syria.
Updated
at 9.43am BST
9.35am BST
09:35
Amber Rudd's Today interview - Summary
Here are the main points from Amber Rudd’s Today programme interview earlier.
Rudd, the home secretary, took the rare step of issuing a public reprimand to the American authorities for releasing information about the Manchester investigation to the media. Asked about the leaks of information coming out of the US (see 7.40am), she said:
The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise. So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again.
It is very unusual for a government minister to criticise the Americans explicitly in this way.
She suggested that the raising of the threat level from severe to critical may not last long. She said that this was an assessment made by the joint terrorism assessment centre (JTAC), not by ministers. But it was being kept under constant review, she said. And she went on:
I do note that the last time the threat level was raised to critical it lasted five days, and before that four days. So we will see.
She said that she only expected the deployment of troops onto the streets (Operation Temperer) to be temporary. She said:
This is not going to be a situation which we are going to move to and arrive at a new level of need for defence or support or protection. This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event.
She said it has not been proved that Salman Abedi was directed by Islamic State.
She defended Prevent, the government’s anti-radicalisation programme, saying it had stopped 150 people travelling to Syria last year, 50 of whom were children. After the election the Tories plan to increase its funding, she said.
She said it was “likely” that Abedi was not acting on his own.
The Home Secretary Amber Rudd says it is "likely" the Manchester attack suspect "was not doing this on his own" https://t.co/tXZbpP0VkE pic.twitter.com/CP8PsfgkJC
She said she did not believe anti-terrorism laws had to be strengthened. After the investigation was over, there would be time to review legislation, she said. But she went on:
I have confidence that the police and the intelligence services have the tools they need. And also in my conversations with them there has been no additional request for strengthening of Tpims [terrorism prevention and investigation measures, which replaced control orders] or additional tools. And that’s not just over the past few days, that’s over the past few months.
My colleague Alan Travis says this is surprising in the light of what the Conservative manifesto says.
Suprised to hear Amber Rudd say no pressure for new counter-extremist powers. Tory manifesto promises to consider new criminal offences.
Alan is referring to this passage in the manifesto (pdf).
To defeat extremism, we need to learn from how civil society and the state took on racism in the twentieth century. We will consider what new criminal offences might need to be created, and what new aggravated offences might need to be established, to defeat the extremists.
9.32am BST
09:32
Kim Willsher
The French interior minister called an emergency meeting of security officials and police with a view to reviewing security at sporting and cultural events in France.
Gerard Collomb told BFMTV that the Manchester bomber had “no doubt” trained in Syria (see earlier) after being informed by British investigators.
“These are people who are born in a country and who radicalise through the propaganda of IS [Isis],” Collomb said.
Asked if he had information that the bomber belonged to a network, Collomb replied: “We don’t know at this time, but perhaps … in any case he had proven links with Islamic State.
“Everyone is touched by this, it could have happened in France it could be your child dying in an atrocious manner. I have spoken to the mayor of Manchester and the interior minister and we have reaffirmed that, despite Brexit, the links between our security forces will remain strong.”
France has been under a state of emergency since the wave of bombings and shootings across Paris in November 2015, which killed 130 people. Thousands of soldiers are patrolling the country’s streets as part of Operation Sentinelle.
France’s new president, Emmanuel Macron, has promised to set up a terrorism “taskforce” made up of 50-100 experts working around the clock to identify and foil possible attacks.
Updated
at 9.46am BST
9.19am BST
09:19
Vikram Dodd
These are the key points from the response of the Met police to the increased terrorism threat level.
Soldiers will help guard key sites
“As part of the pre-planned and tested deployment under Operation Temperer the military will be working under the MPS command structure to provide static armed guarding at key locations. This will include Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers to carry out patrols.
More armed police will be freed up and the public will see more police officers with guns on the streets
“The public will see more armed officers, working alongside their neighbourhood and specialist colleagues, on proactive operations and targeted patrols, both on foot and in vehicles. Locations of their deployments, types of tactics and numbers on duty will continually change to be the most effective and avoid predictability.
Armed police will be part of a tactic to be deployed in London aimed at psyching out terrorists, called Project Servator
“Those armed officers will also provide support to colleagues working on Project Servator. This tactic uses teams of specialist police officers who have been trained to spot the tell tale signs that a person may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance or committing other crime. The approach is based on extensive research into the psychology of criminals and what undermines their activities.”
More stop and search and vehicle checkpoints
“As a highly visible deterrent and disruptive tactic officers will be making more use of stop and search; vehicle checkpoints and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.
Commander Jane Connors, leading the London policing operation, said: “The reality is that we must be prepared to be able to respond to and deal with armed and deadly attackers, so we must be in a position to respond with firearms officers who will use force to stop those attackers in their aim. That is why is we have increased the number of firearms who are on duty, both out walking and in roaming patrols, at fixed points and carrying out a range of operations.
“We are using every tactical option – not just through the use of armed officers but ongoing work by the counter-t errorism command; working with partner agencies and gathering community intelligence.
“Whilst some of what we are doing will be obvious to the public there is a huge amount of work happening day and night that the public will never know about.”
Updated
at 9.40am BST
9.09am BST9.09am BST
09:0909:09
France reveals Abedi 'probably travelled to Syria'France reveals Abedi 'probably travelled to Syria'
British investigators told French authorities that the suspect suicide bomber Salman Abedi had probably travelled to Syria and had links with Isis, according to French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb. British investigators told French authorities that the suspected suicide bomber Salman Abedi had probably travelled to Syria and had links with Isis, according to the French interior minister, Gérard Collomb.
Earlier Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed that intelligence services knew of Abedi “up to a point”. She admitted it was “irritating” when information about hime comes from other countries after his identity was first revealed by the US intelligence services. Earlier, the UK home secretary, Amber Rudd, confirmed that intelligence services knew of Abedi “up to a point”. She admitted it was “irritating” when information about him came from other countries after his identity was first revealed by the US intelligence services.
Now the French government has revealed more about Abedi. Collomb told BFMTV: “Today we only know what British investigators have told us – someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, who suddenly after a trip to Libya, then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack.” The French government has revealed more information about Abedi. Collomb told BFMTV: “Today we only know what British investigators have told us – someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, who suddenly after a trip to Libya, then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack.”
Pressed on how he knew Abedi had been in Syria, Collomb said this was the information that French and British intelligence services had. Pressed on how he knew Abedi had been in Syria, Collomb said this was the information held by French and British intelligence services.
Asked if he believed Abedi had the support of a network, Collomb said: “That is not known yet, but perhaps. In any case, (he had) links with Daesh (Isis) that are proven.”Asked if he believed Abedi had the support of a network, Collomb said: “That is not known yet, but perhaps. In any case, (he had) links with Daesh (Isis) that are proven.”
Updated
at 9.12am BST
8.56am BST8.56am BST
08:5608:56
What Theresa May said about the threat level being raisedWhat Theresa May said about the threat level being raised
For the record, this is what Theresa May said in her statement last night about the threat level being raised. She was speaking after chairing a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra.For the record, this is what Theresa May said in her statement last night about the threat level being raised. She was speaking after chairing a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra.
This morning, I said that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre – the independent organisation responsible for setting the threat level on the basis of the intelligence available – was keeping the threat level under constant review.This morning, I said that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre – the independent organisation responsible for setting the threat level on the basis of the intelligence available – was keeping the threat level under constant review.
It has now concluded, on the basis of today’s investigations, that the threat level should be increased, for the time being, from Severe to Critical. This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely, but that a further attack may be imminent. It has now concluded, on the basis of today’s investigations, that the threat level should be increased, for the time being, from severe to critical. This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely, but that a further attack may be imminent.
The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe.The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe.
As a result of the JTAC’s decision, the police have asked for authorisation from the secretary of state for defence to deploy a number of armed military personnel in support of their armed officers. This request is part of a well-established plan, known as Operation Temperer, in which both the armed forces and the police officers involved are well-trained and well-prepared to work in this kind of environment. The Secretary of state for defence has approved this request, and Operation Temperer is now in force. As a result of the JTAC’s decision, the police have asked for authorisation from the secretary of state for defence to deploy a number of armed military personnel in support of their armed officers. This request is part of a well-established plan, known as Operation Temperer, in which both the armed forces and the police officers involved are well-trained and well-prepared to work in this kind of environment. The secretary of state for defence has approved this request, and Operation Temperer is now in force.
This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations. You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events, such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe. In all circumstances, members of the armed forces who are deployed in this way will be under the command of police officers ...This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations. You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events, such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe. In all circumstances, members of the armed forces who are deployed in this way will be under the command of police officers ...
I do not want the public to feel unduly alarmed. We have faced a serious terrorist threat in our country for many years. And the operational response I have just outlined is a proportionate and sensible response to the threat that our security experts judge we face. I ask everybody to be vigilant, and to cooperate with and support the police as they go about their important work.I do not want the public to feel unduly alarmed. We have faced a serious terrorist threat in our country for many years. And the operational response I have just outlined is a proportionate and sensible response to the threat that our security experts judge we face. I ask everybody to be vigilant, and to cooperate with and support the police as they go about their important work.
Updated
at 9.13am BST
8.51am BST8.51am BST
08:5108:51
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
Reinforcements of armed police officers are to be sent to Manchester to help the city guard against further attacks and help the hunt for those behind the atrocity.Reinforcements of armed police officers are to be sent to Manchester to help the city guard against further attacks and help the hunt for those behind the atrocity.
Greater Manchester police (GMP) asked for the help which will see extra officers with guns drafted in from other parts of Britain. Greater Manchester police (GMP) asked for the help, which will see extra officers with guns drafted in from other parts of Britain. The move was requested by GMP on Tuesday and comes as police trigger plans for a national mobilisation.
The move was requested by GMP on Tuesday and comes as police trigger plans for a national mobilisation. It is being coordinated by the National Police Coordination Centre (NPOCC). In a statement, it said: “NPOCC has provided additional firearms support to Greater Manchester police following the recent attack and is working closely with the force to assist with reviewing the security procedures.”
It is being coordinated by the National Police Coordination Centre (NPOCC). In a statement it said: “NPOCC has provided additional firearms support to Greater Manchester Police following the recent attack and is working closely with the force to assist with reviewing the security procedures.” Specialist counter-terrorist specialist firearms officers have also been sent to Manchester and on Tuesday could be seen carrying out at least one raid.
Specialist counter terrorist specialist firearms officers have also been sent to Manchester and on Tuesday could be seen carrying out at least one raid. Updated
at 9.14am BST
8.47am BST8.47am BST
08:4708:47
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has issued a video message to Londoners about the raising of the threat level.Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has issued a video message to Londoners about the raising of the threat level.
The national threat level has been raised to 'critical'. Watch my statement on what this means for Londoners today. pic.twitter.com/pOqUvbqThzThe national threat level has been raised to 'critical'. Watch my statement on what this means for Londoners today. pic.twitter.com/pOqUvbqThz
8.44am BST8.44am BST
08:4408:44
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is being interviewed on the Today programme now.Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is being interviewed on the Today programme now.
Q: Amber Rudd says the police have the resources they need. Do you agree?Q: Amber Rudd says the police have the resources they need. Do you agree?
Burnham says he asked this question on this first day as mayor. He was told the police did have what they need. And the police have had the resources to deal with this attack. Burnham says he asked this question on his first day as mayor. He was told the police did have what they need. And the police have had the resources to deal with this attack. He says there is a wider question about police funding, but that is for another day.
He says there is a wider question about police funding, but that is for another day.
Q: Are you sure the police have got what they need?Q: Are you sure the police have got what they need?
Burnham says he asked if they had the firearms capacity to deal with something like the Bataclan attack, with attacks in multiple places. But that is not what Manchester had to deal with. Burnham says he asked if they had the firearms capacity to deal with something like the Bataclan attack in Paris, with attacks in multiple places. But that is not what Manchester had to deal with.
Q: Do you think this attack was acting alone?Q: Do you think this attack was acting alone?
Burnham says there is a limit to what he can say. But he says the evidence suggests that this was not a lone wolf attack.Burnham says there is a limit to what he can say. But he says the evidence suggests that this was not a lone wolf attack.
Q: Are you happy with the Prevent programme?Q: Are you happy with the Prevent programme?
Burnham says he has expressed reservations about some aspects of it.Burnham says he has expressed reservations about some aspects of it.
He says he does not like the way this has been described as a Muslim attack. The attacker was a terrorist. He did not represent the Muslim community, any more than the person who killed Jo Cox represents the white community.He says he does not like the way this has been described as a Muslim attack. The attacker was a terrorist. He did not represent the Muslim community, any more than the person who killed Jo Cox represents the white community.
Updated
at 9.15am BST
8.42am BST8.42am BST
08:4208:42
20 people remain in critical condition20 people remain in critical condition
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Twenty people remain in “critical care” across Manchester after suffering “horrific injuries,” a health official in Manchester has revealed. Twenty people remain in “critical care” across Manchester after suffering “horrific injuries”, a health official in Manchester has revealed. Injuries include major organ damage and potential loss of limbs, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership told the BBC. He said:
The injuries include major organ damage and potential loss of limbs, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership told the BBC. He said: “ “They’ve been the sort of traumatic injuries that you would expect in terms of the type of device used, the proximity to the people who were injured. We’re dealing with injuries to major organs, we’re dealing with loss of limbs potentially, we’re dealing with embedded objects – all the horrific injuries that you would expect from the event that happened.”
“They’ve been the sort of traumatic injuries that you would expect in terms of the type of device used, the proximity to the people who were injured. He said the victims were receiving round-the-clock treatment from doctors and nurses.
“We’re dealing with injuries to major organs, we’re dealing with loss of limbs potentially, we’re dealing with embedded objects, all the horrific injuries that you would expect from the event that happened.” Fifty-nine people were hurt in the attack and 12 of those taken to hospital were children.
He said the victims were “receiving round-the-clock treatment from doctors and nurses”.
Some 59 people were hurt in the attack and 12 of those taken to hospital were children.
#Breaking 20 remain in "critical care" in Manchester suffering "horrific injuries" including major organ damage and potential loss of limbs#Breaking 20 remain in "critical care" in Manchester suffering "horrific injuries" including major organ damage and potential loss of limbs
Updated
at 9.16am BST
8.23am BST8.23am BST
08:2308:23
Q: Some people will say that, with this happening just before an election, it is opportunistic.Q: Some people will say that, with this happening just before an election, it is opportunistic.
Rudd says the decision to raise the threat level was taken by an independent body. Amber Rudd says the decision to raise the threat level was taken by an independent body.
Q: Some people think Tpims (terrorism prevention and investigation measures) need to be strengthened.Q: Some people think Tpims (terrorism prevention and investigation measures) need to be strengthened.
Rudd says the time to consider this will be after the investigation is over. But the police have not asked for extra powers, she says.Rudd says the time to consider this will be after the investigation is over. But the police have not asked for extra powers, she says.
Q: And how would you respond to a request for extra powers?Q: And how would you respond to a request for extra powers?
Rudd says the government will always ensure the services are supported.Rudd says the government will always ensure the services are supported.
Q: People will say this event is of a different magnitude from what has happened before.Q: People will say this event is of a different magnitude from what has happened before.
Rudd says she is focusing on making sure the police have the help they need now. After the investigation, she will consider if there are lessons to be learnt.Rudd says she is focusing on making sure the police have the help they need now. After the investigation, she will consider if there are lessons to be learnt.
Q: Do you accept that Prevent has been seen as a form of spying by some communities.Q: Do you accept that Prevent has been seen as a form of spying by some communities.
Rudd says some people don’t like Prevent. But last year 150 people were stopped from travelling to Syria by Prevent, 50 of whom were children.Rudd says some people don’t like Prevent. But last year 150 people were stopped from travelling to Syria by Prevent, 50 of whom were children.
That’s it.That’s it.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.24am BST at 9.17am BST
8.19am BST8.19am BST
08:1908:19
Rudd criticises US authorities for releasing information about Manchester investigation to media
Q: Can you tell us any more about Salman Abedi?Q: Can you tell us any more about Salman Abedi?
Rudd says she cannot.Rudd says she cannot.
Q: Do we know that Islamic State directed this operation?Q: Do we know that Islamic State directed this operation?
Rudd says we do not know that yet.Rudd says we do not know that yet.
Q: Are you worried about the information coming out from the US?Q: Are you worried about the information coming out from the US?
Rudd says the British authorities want to control the information that is coming out. It is “irritating” when information comes out from other countries. She says she has made it clear to the Americans that this must not happen again.Rudd says the British authorities want to control the information that is coming out. It is “irritating” when information comes out from other countries. She says she has made it clear to the Americans that this must not happen again.
Q: Has it compromised the operation?Q: Has it compromised the operation?
Rudd says she would not go that far.Rudd says she would not go that far.
Rudd criticises American authorities for releasing information about the Manchester investigation to the media. It was “irritating”, she said, and she revealed that the Americans have been told it must not happen again. Rudd criticises American authorities for releasing information about the Manchester investigation to the media. (See 7.40am.) It was “irritating”, she said, and she revealed that the Americans have been told it must not happen again.
Updated
at 9.13am BST
8.16am BST8.16am BST
08:1608:16
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has already given an interview to Sky News (see 7.55am). She is now being interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.Amber Rudd, the home secretary, has already given an interview to Sky News (see 7.55am). She is now being interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Q: Do you know another attack is imminent?Q: Do you know another attack is imminent?
Rudd says, if the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre says an attack may be imminent, the government will support that assessment.Rudd says, if the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre says an attack may be imminent, the government will support that assessment.
Q: You said in other interviews that Salman Abedi was known “up to a point”. What does that mean?Q: You said in other interviews that Salman Abedi was known “up to a point”. What does that mean?
Rudd says the security services know a lot of people. But they cannot arrest everyone.Rudd says the security services know a lot of people. But they cannot arrest everyone.
Q: Do the security services have all the powers they need?Q: Do the security services have all the powers they need?
Rudd says she thinks they do. They have constantly reassured her that they have the money and the laws that they need.Rudd says she thinks they do. They have constantly reassured her that they have the money and the laws that they need.
Q: The military will now be joining the police. Did the police ask for help?Q: The military will now be joining the police. Did the police ask for help?
Rudd says this is a protocol that is in place to allow the military to support the police when that is needed. The army will be “backfilling”, to allow the police to focus on other areas. The government “fully expects” this to be temporary, she says.Rudd says this is a protocol that is in place to allow the military to support the police when that is needed. The army will be “backfilling”, to allow the police to focus on other areas. The government “fully expects” this to be temporary, she says.
She repeats the point.She repeats the point.
This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event.This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.02am BSTat 9.02am BST
8.13am BST
08:13
Josh Halliday
A police cordon was still in place on Wednesday morning in the suburban cul-de-sac where Salman Abedi lived in Fallowfield, south Manchester.
Neighbours making their way to work described their shock and disbelief that the suspected bomber lived on their street of redbrick, semi-detached houses. One man, who would give his name only as Terry, said Abedi’s family once had a Libyan flag hung from the television aerial on their chimney, about four years ago.
He described the scene when armed officers carried out a controlled explosion to gain entry to Abedi’s house on Tuesday afternoon. “The lady next door – she’s quite elderly – was just getting in the shower and she said ‘My house shook!’ She thought it was her shower blowing up.
“There was about 30 vans there with guns [aimed] on the house. I’ve lived here 50-plus years and we’ve never experienced anything like this.”
Terry said he had been told that police marksmen threw an explosive charge through Abedi’s letterbox to blow open the door to the premises. He said he had not seen Abedi loudly chanting Islamic verses in the street, as had been reported, but said the area was full of many different cultures living peacefully alongside each other.
Another neighbour, who gave his name only as Mark, added: “When we came home five minutes later there was a huge explosion and there was police everywhere. It’s quite shocking really when you see it on your own street. To be 10 doors down from where you live – that’s just something else that.
“It’s reassuring that the police are here. At least you know things are moving on.”
Police cordon still in place on street of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi. Neighbours upset, shocked but reassured by police presence pic.twitter.com/QPVfI0ueRR
Updated
at 8.16am BST
8.09am BST
08:09
A statement from the Metropolitan police provides more details of the operation that will see soldiers patrolling key sites across London:
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has increased police numbers and operations across the capital with immediate affect. The plans that have been in put in place reflect efforts by the MPS to protect London against the current threat from international terrorism.
The public will see more armed officers, working alongside their neighbourhood and specialist colleagues on proactive operations and targeted patrols, both on foot and in vehicles. Locations of their deployments, types of tactics and numbers on duty will continually change to be the most effective and avoid predictability.
Those armed officers will also provide support to colleagues working on Project Servator. This tactic uses teams of specialist police officers who have been trained to spot the telltale signs that a person may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance or committing other crime. The approach is based on extensive research into the psychology of criminals and what undermines their activities.
As part of the pre-planned and tested deployment under Operation Temperer, the military will be working under the MPS command structure to provide static armed guarding at key locations. This will include Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers to carry out patrols.
Updated
at 8.15am BST
8.00am BST
08:00
Military to guard Downing Street and Buckingham Palace
Vikram Dodd
Scotland Yard says soldiers will help guard Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers, police say.
Updated
at 8.17am BST
7.55am BST
07:55
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.
Updated
at 7.59am BST
7.45am BST
07:45
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
Updated
at 7.52am BST
7.40am BST
07:40
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.
7.32am BST
07:32
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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7.18am BST
07:18
Two 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.
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7.12am BST
07:12
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.
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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7.03am BST
07:03
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.
Updated
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