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Manchester bombing: more victims named as threat level is raised to critical – live news Manchester bombing: three arrested in south Manchester – live news
(35 minutes later)
10.55am BST
10:55
Severin Carrell
Police Scotland has apparently not yet asked the army to supply guards for major sites and government buildings despite the threat level being raised to critical, but confusion reigned over what decision had been taken and who is responsible for announcing that.
Theresa May said troops would be deployed to provide static guards in England under the government’s Operation Temperer plan to free up armed police officers from guarding duties. Those sites included Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and foreign embassies in London.
Neither Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, nor Scotland’s chief constable Phil Gormley addressed the army deployment question in their latest statements on security on Wednesday morning, implying they had opted not to call up the army or that the question had not yet been resolved.
It is possible the decision is seen as far more politically sensitive here, given the Scottish independence question or instead the police believe the threat level is not as serious.
A police spokeswomen said that was a question for the Scottish government. A Scottish government spokesman said he needed to find out. A British Army spokeswoman in Scotland said the police were in the lead on deployment decisions.
“We are on standby to be of any use to Police Scotland if they wish, but it’s really their call,” she said. The army would be used “to allow them to release their authorised firearms officers where they are currently deployed to assist where they are needed.”
10.53am BST
10:53
Nadia Khomami
Martyn Hett, 29, from Stockport, went missing after he became separated from friends at the concert.His brother Dan Hett said on Tuesday that he still had no news of his brother - who was due to travel to America for a two-month holiday on Wednesday.On Wednesday he tweeted: “They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken.”Hett’s partner Russell Hayward said in a statement: “We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn’t survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I’m in a really bad way so please forgive if I don’t reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will. X”.Another friend, Christina, also paid tribute to “my best friend, my maid of honour”.
Thanks for everyone's help and support. I will love him forever. pic.twitter.com/GVYHuLPpxi
10.53am BST
10:53
The House of Commons authorities have announced that the building is being closed to non-passholders today. That means that tours of the Palace of Westminster, and any events booked to take place in rooms in the building, have been cancelled. The authorities will decide later today whether these restrictions will continue to apply tomorrow.
10.49am BST
10:49
Changing of the guard cancelled
The Changing the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been cancelled today to redeploy police officers following the Manchester attack, the Ministry of Defence said.
Earlier, Scotland Yard revealed that troops will be deployed at Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster, after the terrorist threat level was raised to critical.
Updated
at 10.50am BST
10.47am BST
10:47
Tenth victim named
A tenth victim of the Manchester attack has been named as Martyn Hett. His brother, Dan, confirmed Hett was among the dead. He tweeted that he was “heartbroken”.
Hett previously appealed for help in locating his brother.
they found my brother last night. we are heartbroken.
The names of 10 of the 22 victims have now been revealed.
Martyn Hett, 29
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 10.51am BST
10.40am BST
10:40
None of the opposition parties have put out press statements about the decision taken last night to raise the threat level from severe to critical. A Labour source said the party was not commenting, and a Lib Dem source said the party had not issued a press statement because the decision was one taken by an independent panel, and not by ministers, and that therefore they did not want to politicise it.
The silence is slightly odd because political parties issue press releases about almost everything, including decisions taken by non-partisan officials. It may be a sign of how nervous all the political parties are about being seen to in any way capitalise on the Manchester atrocity.
But Shami Chakrabarti did comment in an interview on Newsnight last night. Chakrabarti is the shadow attorney general, but she was introduced as someone speaking not in that capacity, but in her capacity as a former director of the civil rights group Liberty.
Asked if she was satisfied that the joint terrorism analysis centre (JTAC), which took the decision to raise the threat level, was independent, and not subject to politicisation, she replied:
Look what I would say on a night like this one is that this is not the moment for conspiracy theories. So if anybody is, you know, feeling panicked about the timing of this, I would just urge them to be calm and united.
Asked, again, if she supported the decision to raise the threat level, she replied:
I am not a privy counsellor and I have not seen the intelligence, but nor am I going to take a knee-jerk in the other direction, and to be a conspiracy theorist. I don’t think that would be good for anybody this evening.
10.40am BST
10:40
Sarah Marsh
A surgeon who treated a victim of the Manchester attack said the injuries were similar to those he encountered while working as a volunteer in hospitals in rebel-held Syria.
Mounir Hakimi, from Lancashire teaching hospitals NHS foundation trust, said on Wednesday morning that he was about to operate on a woman who came to the Preston hospital as one of the walking wounded. He would be removing shrapnel that was lodged in her body after the blast.
Hakimi, who runs Syria Relief, a charity that has provided training to Syrian doctors, said her injuries were similar to ones he faced working in Syria.
He said: “When I go to Syria we get these blast injuries, but at a much higher scale. I’ve treated patients who have lost limbs and more severe injuries. I also see people with injuries similar to one I am operating on [this morning]. Missiles fired in Syria involve lots of shrapnel in them, nails and debris, but in Syria on a much higher scale.”
The surgeon said his colleagues had treated people with shrapnel wounds, as well as those with crush wounds. “I don’t know how many people have crushing injuries but this happens in the confusion. These injuries involve people breaking bone or damagingsoft tissue,” he said.
He said doctors were treating patients who had faced trauma. He said: “It’s so difficult when you have a patient who is mentally and psychologically badly affected. “I live 15 minutes away from the arena so I was thinking my daughter could have been there. Treating patients affected with this you think, what if this was my daughter and wife?
“I have not had a chance to speak in full detail to colleagues involved. Most stayed up all night and are emotionally tired and I was at a vigil yesterday. We were all badly affected and don’t want to talk to people. The mood is still bad … It will take time for everyone to recover and get back to normal life.”
Updated
at 10.49am BST
10.35am BST
10:35
Three men arrested in south Manchester
Three men have been arrested in south Manchester, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the attack, Manchester police has announced.
Three men arrested after police executed warrants in South Manchester in connection to arena bombing - GM police
Updated
at 10.45am BST
10.33am BST
10:33
Police have been deployed outside Didsbury mosque, in south Manchester following the attack.
A van, a video unit and a handful of uniformed officers could be seen outside the mosque, which was attended by the bomber Salman Abedi and members of his family. There appears to be little activity in the mosque.
There are no searches going on as far as we can tell. There are also unmarked police cars moving about the neighbourhood and police community support officers on foot.
Police presence at Didsbury mosque now - van and mobile video unit. pic.twitter.com/ihjSz2GVCu
Updated
at 10.39am BST
10.15am BST10.15am BST
10:1510:15
Ewen MacAskillEwen 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. The frustration of the security services with the American leaks was obvious on Tuesday, with the release 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.” And on Wednesday the home secretary, Amber 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 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. 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 Abedi’s name was revealed by US officials in Washington to American journalists two hours before they disclosed it to the UK.
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 and may only have done so because of the Americans.
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 want 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.
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.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.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.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. 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 the sharing of intelligence from the US and also benefits from intelligence, especially on counter-terrorism, from European colleagues such as France and Germany.
Updated
at 10.23am BST
10.05am BST10.05am BST
10:0510:05
Severin CarrellSeverin 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”“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.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.09am BSTat 10.09am BST
10.01am BST10.01am BST
10:0110:01
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The arena bomber, Salman Abedi, is now known to have studied at the University of Salford.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.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.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.”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/AqbcKHopAUSalford 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 BST9.56am BST
09:5609:56
Eighth and ninth victims namedEighth and ninth victims named
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
The identity of the two Polish citizens killed in the Manchester terror attack has been confirmed as Angelika and Marcin Klis.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.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.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:We now know the identities of nine of the 22 people killed in the attack. They are:
Angelika Klis, 40Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42Marcin Klis, 42
Georgina Callander, 18Georgina Callander, 18
Saffie Rose Roussos, eightSaffie Rose Roussos, eight
John Atkinson, 28John Atkinson, 28
Kelly Brewster, 32Kelly Brewster, 32
Olivia Campbell, 15Olivia Campbell, 15
Alison Howe, 45Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47Lisa Lees, 47
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.04am BSTat 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 on to 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.47am BSTat 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 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 BST
09:09
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.
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.”
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.”
Updated
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8.56am BST
08:56
What 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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
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8.51am BST
08:51
Vikram 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.
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.”
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
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8.47am BST
08:47
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/pOqUvbqThz
8.44am BST
08:44
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Updated
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8.42am BST
08:42
20 people remain in critical condition
Matthew 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:
“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.
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
Updated
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08:23
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.
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.
Q: And how would you respond to a request for extra powers?
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.
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.
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.
Updated
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8.19am BST
08:19
Rudd criticises US authorities for releasing information about Manchester investigation to media
Q: Can you tell us any more about Salman Abedi?
Rudd says she cannot.
Q: Do we know that Islamic State directed this operation?
Rudd says we do not know that yet.
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.
Q: Has it compromised the operation?
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.
Updated
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8.16am BST
08:16
Andrew 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She repeats the point.
This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event.
Updated
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