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:
Another victim of the Manchester attack has been named as Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51.
Ms Tweddle-Taylor, a school receptionist and mother-of-three, was a "a truly wonderful friend and colleague," according to the principal of the school where she worked.
She was at the arena waiting for a friend's daughter when the blast happened, according to her friend Mark Taylor, who told BBC Radio Lancashire she was "a lovely lady and a very good mother to three daughters".
Jane Bailey, head of South Shore Academy, in Blackpool, said: "Jane was a truly wonderful friend and colleague to all of us at South Shore Academy. As our receptionist, she was in many ways, the public face of the school and she represented us amazingly in this role."
An off-duty police officer is among those killed in the Manchester bombing, the BBC reports.
The off-duty officer's husband is critically ill and their two children were injured, the BBC adds.
Chelsea have cancelled their planned victory parade due to take place Sunday following security advice in the wake of the Manchester attack.
Manchester United fans are congregating in Stockholm's city center, dominating bars and singing songs ahead of their team's match against Ajax in the Europa League.
A flag outside a bar in the Swedish capital displayed the words: "United against terrorism. Lest we forget 22.05.17" — the date of Monday's suicide bombing in the English city of Manchester.
The final will kick off at Friends Arena on Wednesday, less than 48 hours after a deadly bomb attack at a pop concert in Manchester killed 22 people.
There will be a huge security presence at the venue. A police helicopter was flying above the city center Wednesday afternoon.
The bomber's family warned security officials he was "dangerous" in the past, a US intelligence official has told NBC News.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments