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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)
10.15am BST
10:15
Ewen MacAskill
The frustration of the security services with the American leaks was obvious on Tuesday, with the leak of the name of the Manchester killer and other details while the investigation was still live.
And on Wednesday Home Secretary Rudd 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.”
The irritation would have turned to despair with the French interior minister, Gerard Collomb, on Wednesday, revealing further details of British intelligence on television. He let it be known not only that Salman Abedi had recently been to Libya, but may also have been in Syria.
The police and security services usually have good reasons for not disclosing information immediately to the media as they accumulate it.
One of the main reasons is that it is helpful when investigating a suspect’s network of family, friends and colleagues not to alert them by disclosing the name. So it was awkward for the police when the Abedi was revealed by US officials in Washington to American journalists two hours before they disclosed it to the UK.
Earlier in the day, the security services had no plans to disclose the name that day and may only have done so because of the Americans.
There are other reasons. They do not to reveal to those they are hunting - and their opponents in general - the extent of the information they hold and, sometimes, the techniques they use for gaining that information.
On a purely practical level, the police would have preferred time searching the home of Abedi and speaking to neighbours without the media descending on the location after the US released the name.
One of the basic tenets of intelligence sharing is that other agencies do not disclose it. The problem is that those intelligence agencies, whether the US or French, pass it upwards to their presidents, prime ministers and departmental ministers. In the past, that secrecy was usually respected.
But in quick succession, Donald Trump revealed to Russia information obtained by Israeli intelligence from a Middle East source, the US revealed UK intelligence about Abedi and now the French have done so too.
The temptation for the UK police and intelligence services would be to stop sharing some of that intelligence. But the UK relies so heavily on sharing of intelligence from the US and also benefits from intelligence, especially on counter-terrorism, from European colleagues such as France and Germany.
10.05am BST
10:05
Severin Carrell
Fears are growing for Eilidh MacLeod, the 14-year-old girl from Barra in the Outer Hebrides, who had travelled to the Ariana Grande concert with her friend Laura MacIntyre.
Angus MacNeil, the MP for the Western Isles and a close friend of the MacIntyres, said there was still no word of Eilidh, a pupil at Castlebay community school on Barra. “Poor Eilidh, there’s no sign,” he said.
It emerged yesterday evening that Laura was very ill in hospital with extremely serious burns. The parents of both girls are now in Manchester, helping police and in a vigil at Laura’s bedside.
The Scottish government said last night that six concert-goers had been treated for injuries in hospitals in Scotland.
Four of those had been discharged by 9pm yesterday and two were still being treated in hospital. None had life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, the Scottish parliament closed all staff entrances and asked all officials, visitors, media and MSPs to pass through the x-ray screening and search point at its main public entrance in response to the raised threat level of critical.
Phil Gormley, the chief constable of Police Scotland, said a new multi-agency response centre had been established given the raised security level, and there would be more visible policing across the country.
He added: “Yesterday morning, we increased the number of armed police on patrol at key locations and the public should expect to see armed officers on foot patrol.
“We are reviewing all significant events along with event organisers taking place within the next 14 days and will increase the security footprint around those events where it is deemed appropriate.”
Updated
at 10.09am BST
10.01am BST
10:01
Jamie Grierson
The arena bomber, Salman Abedi, is now known to have studied at the University of Salford.
He reportedly started a business and management course in 2014 but dropped out two years later. He would have graduated this year, had he continued with the course.
This morning, students arriving for exams at Salford Business School on the quiet campus grounds were not aware of Abedi’s connection to the university.
One student, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s spooky to learn he was here at the same uni as us.”
Salford Business School where it is understood arena bomber Salman Abedi studied before dropping out two years into his course. pic.twitter.com/AqbcKHopAU
9.56am BST
09:56
Eighth and ninth victims named
Nadia Khomami
The identity of the two Polish citizens killed in the Manchester terror attack has been confirmed as Angelika and Marcin Klis.
On Tuesday, the couple’s daughter shared an appeal to find her parents, who had not been seen since the attack. The student shared a photo of the pair taken before the concert on Facebook, writing: “Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they’ve been missing ever since the attack.
Poland’s foreign minister, Witold Waszczykowski, this morning identified the victims as a couple who had been waiting for their daughters at the arena. The Polish embassy in London has confirmed that they were Angelika and Marcin Klis.
We now know the identities of nine of the 22 people killed in the attack. They are:
Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42
Georgina Callander, 18
Saffie Rose Roussos, eight
John Atkinson, 28
Kelly Brewster, 32
Olivia Campbell, 15
Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47
Updated
at 10.04am BST
9.38am BST9.38am BST
09:3809:38
Sam JonesSam Jones
The Manchester atrocity has prompted the Spanish government to urge better intelligence sharing and increased trust across the EU.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”.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.”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”.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.”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.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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.43am BSTat 9.43am BST
9.35am BST9.35am BST
09:3509:35
Amber Rudd's Today interview - SummaryAmber Rudd's Today interview - Summary
Here are the main points from Amber Rudd’s Today programme interview earlier.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: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.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.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: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.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: She said that she only expected the deployment of troops on to 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.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 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 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.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/CP8PsfgkJCThe 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: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.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.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.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).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.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.
Updated
at 9.47am BST
9.32am BST9.32am BST
09:3209:32
Kim WillsherKim 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.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.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.“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.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.”“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 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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.46am BSTat 9.46am BST
9.19am BST9.19am BST
09:1909:19
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
These are the key points from the response of the Met police to the increased terrorism threat level.These are the key points from the response of the Met police to the increased terrorism threat level.
Soldiers will help guard key sitesSoldiers 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.“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 streetsMore 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.“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 ServatorArmed 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.”“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 checkpointsMore 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.“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.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.“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.”“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.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.40am BSTat 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 suspected suicide bomber Salman Abedi had probably travelled to Syria and had links with Isis, according to the French interior minister, Gérard 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, 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.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.
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.”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 held by French and British intelligence services.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.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.12am BSTat 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.13am BSTat 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. The move was requested by GMP on Tuesday and comes as police trigger plans for a national mobilisation.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.
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.
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at 9.14am BSTat 9.14am BST
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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
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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 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.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.
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 in Paris, 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.15am BSTat 9.15am BST
8.42am BST8.42am BST
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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. 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: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:
“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. 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.”
He said the victims were receiving round-the-clock treatment from doctors and nurses.He said the victims were receiving round-the-clock treatment from doctors and nurses.
Fifty-nine people were hurt in the attack and 12 of those taken to hospital were children.Fifty-nine 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
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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.
Amber 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.
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Rudd criticises US authorities for releasing information about Manchester investigation to mediaRudd 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. (See 7.40am.) 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.
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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.
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