Manchester bombing live updates: Police are investigating 'terror network' behind suicide attack
Follow the latest updates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK terror threat has been raised to critical in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing attack amid fears attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.
Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert left 22 people dead and injured 64. Some 20 people are being treated for "horrific injuries" in critical care and 12 of those rushed to hospital were children.
Thousands of soldiers are set to bolster police forces after Theresa May raised the threat level to the highest possible rating, meaning another atrocity is expected imminently.
Five more suspects have been arrested in relation to the attack by Greater Manchester Police in new counter-terror raids.
- Three more suspects arrested in Manchester police raids
- These are the names of the victims
- First picture of attacker Salman Abedi released
- Bomber 'travelled to Syria' and Libya before attack
- Attacker's father says his son is innocent
- More than £25,000 raised for homeless man who rushed to help
- Mancunians shut down EDL rally after terror attack
- Home Secretary condemns US for leaks of shared British intelligence
Theresa May said a "wider group of individuals" could have been involved in the Manchester Arena blast rather than just suicide bomber Abedi.
In a sign of the increased threat, the military could be deployed to support armed police officers, Ms May added during a live televised statement from Downing Street.
Monday night's attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured.
Isis has claimed responsibility for the barbaric attack, which involved a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts which exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.
Abedi, believed to have been born in Manchester and of Libyan descent, has been named as the suicide bomber.
The 22-year-old studied business at Salford University but dropped out before completing his degree.
He is thought to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as Didsbury Mosque, along with his parents and siblings.
Elsewhere in the city, the first arrest was made in connection with the inquiry when a 23-year-old man was detained near a Morrisons in Chorlton.
The terror threat level was increased after investigations revealed he may not have acted alone.
Ms May said Operation Temperer - allowing military personnel to take to the streets - is now in force.
Counter-terrorism agencies have mounted a massive inquiry into the outrage - the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005:
The Prime Minister has taken a number of further condolence calls from other world leaders today, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
They include the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, the Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Ms Merkel called to offer Germany’s condolences and said Germany stands with the UK against terrorism. They agreed the deliberate targeting of children was despicable and that the people of Manchester had shown great spirit in coming together in the wake of the attack.
King Salman called to offer his condolences and said Saudi Arabia strongly denounces and condemns this brutal terrorist attack which defies all international humanitarian norms. They agreed the UK and Saudi Arabia would continue working closely together to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
Mr Lofven called to express Sweden’s condolences, praising the public response and their determination to carry on as normal.
Mr Modi, conveyed his country’s deepest condolences and said India’s prayers were with all of those affected.
He also congratulated the people of Manchester on their courage, patience and spirit. They agreed the UK and India would continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism, including aviation security and countering online radicalisation.
A Manchester Islamic Centre spokesperson has denied reports that suspect Salman Abedi worked at the mosque.
"Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at the Manchester Islamic Centre. This is not true. I assure everyone, listeners, viewers in the UK, around the UK, this bomber has never worked in this centre," he said.
"We express concern that a small section, a very small section, of the media are manufacturing stories and making unfounded points without any verification or context or collaboration."
The family of Michelle Kiss, a 45-year-old woman from Lancashire, has confirmed she was killed in Monday's attack.
Her niece Laura Murray confirmed the news on Facebook, saying: "It’s true thank you everyone for your help we are all heartbroken."
A Manchester man reportedly discharged himself from hospital to help ensure there were enough beds for the victims of Monday night’s terror attack.
“I have said I will give my bed to somebody if it’s needed, I am not important, the injured and the wounded are,” David Priestman, 35, said.
The younger brother of Salman Abedi has been arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of links with Isis, according to local counter-terrorism forces.
Hashem Abedi, who was born in 1997, was detained on Tuesday evening in the Libyan capital, spokesman Ahmed Bin Salem told Reuters
A second vigil held in memory of the victims of Monday night's attack has paid tribute to the people of Manchester who rallied around to help those involved.
"We saw hundreds of taxi drivers, of which 80 per cent were Muslim, picking up people who were stranded outside the arena," one speaker said.
"If you want to see how to deal with the threat of terrorism and how we don't penalise or marginalise other individuals, then yesterday was your example."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments