Manchester bombing: Three men released without charge as investigation into terror attack continues

Investigators confirm Salman Abedi purchased 'core components' for bomb himself

(PA)

Three men arrested in connection with the Manchester attack have been released without charge as evidence mounts that Salman Abedi may have built the bomb detonated at Manchester Arena himself.

Greater Manchester Police said 11 suspects remain in custody as part of the probe into the suicide bombing that killed 22 victims.

Two men aged 20 and 24 from the Fallowfield area and a 37-year-old man from the Blackley area have been released.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said the release of further suspects "can be expected".

"We still have a number of people in custody and we will be seeking to extend the custody of some of them as we work to understand what has gone on and whether Abedi was helped," he added.

"There has been huge progress made over the week and the speed of the inquiry remains the same.

"It will be a long investigation and it will take considerable time before we fully understand what has happened."

Ariana Grande is to return to Manchester on Sunday alongside artists including Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Take That.

They will perform a tribute concert at Old Trafford, with all proceeds going towards the We Love Manchester fund set up for victims and their families.

Investigators have been attempting to piece together Abedi's movements between when he arrived back in Manchester from Libya on 18 May, and the bombing four days later.

The origin of the bomb, believed to have used homemade TATP explosives employed by Isis in the Paris and Brussels attacks, is of particular concern.

The Independent revealed last week that bomb-making materials were found during police searches, prompting concern over the potential construction of other devices.

Abedi's former landlord said a flat in Blackley had smelled of chemicals, telling investigators the suspected Isis supporter told him he was "flying abroad" six weeks ago, when he flew to Libya.

A metal rod, traces of chemicals and squares of cut-up material were found at the flat, while unused chemicals were found at Abedi's former home in Fallowfield.

The bomber is believed to have made his final preparations in another flat in Granby Row, central Manchester, where he spent his final hours.

Det Ch Supt Jackson confirmed that Abedi himself had made "most of the purchases of the core components", following reports he had visited DIY shops in Manchester.

"What is becoming apparent is that many of his movements and actions have been carried out alone during the four days from him landing in the country and committing this awful attack," he added.

"It is vital that we make sure that he is not part of a wider network and we cannot rule this out yet.

"There remain a number of things that concern us about his behaviour prior to that attack and those of his associates."

The detective said investigators were especially keen to find out why Abedi repeatedly returned to the Wilmslow Road area of Manchester, and want to recover a blue suitcase used in those trips.

Police released an image of the bomber carrying a distinctive blue suitcase (AP)

More than 1,000 police officers have worked on the case, examining 7,000 lines of inquiry and 300 phones and other digital equipment, with 18 scenes still under guard.

Police have been tracking Abedi's last movements using CCTV, phone calls and other data exposing his interactions, amid questions over how he slipped through the net.

The 22-year-old had a “relatively minor” criminal record as a teenager, when he was linked to gangs, smoked cannabis and drank, but he was not known to police for holding extremist views.

He appeared on police logs in 2012 over offences of theft, receiving stolen goods and assault and was known to MI5, which has launched an internal review amid reports it was warned about Abedi's plans.

Abedi had been reported to the counter-terror hotline and banned from a local mosque, but was not known to Prevent, the Government's voluntary counter-radicalisation scheme.

Among the suspects still in custody are some of Abedi's friends and relatives, and a Libyan trainee pilot arrested in Shoreham-by-Sea.

It is understood the number of people considered previously by counter-terror teams runs to around 20,000, in addition to around 3,000 individuals flagged up as part of 500 live investigations currently being pursued.

Anyone with information is asked to call the anti-terror hotline anonymously on 0800 789321 or send images and footages to police by visiting the UK Police Image Appeal website.