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:
French President Emmanuel Macron said he will ask parliament to prolong the measure from 15 July, its current expiration date, until 1 November.
It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers.
Mr Macron said he made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials "studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots."
Mr Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency.
The Polish couple who were confirmed dead have been named as Angelika and Marcin Klis.
Their daughter had been publicly searching for them since the explosion.
Israel's defense minister said he doubts the devastating bombing in Manchester will have any impact on European counterterrorism tactics because of the continent's "politically correct" character.
Avigdor Lieberman said every bombing in Europe results in much talk, but little action.
He told Israel's Army Radio the problem is extremism among Muslim youths who are not integrated into society.
He said nothing will change until these residents are ready to adopt "universal, European values."
Mr Lieberman said Israel and Britain enjoy close intelligence cooperation and Israel offered its assistance following the attack.
Parliament has cancelled all public tours and events following the Manchester attack.
Theresa May has said Britain now faces a "critical" security threat - meaning another attack could be imminent - and ordered soldiers to reinforce armed police guarding public buildings and events.
"As a consequence all tours, events and banqueting will be cancelled with immediate effect. This arrangement will remain in place until the advice changes," the parliament said on its website.
Ariana Grande's concerts at London's 02 Arena on Thursday and Friday have not yet been postponed or cancelled, although the venue said it is in contact with promoters about a final decision.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments