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Manchester Arena: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide bombing – latest Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest
(35 minutes later)
2.06pm BST
14:06
Jason Burke
The Isis claim of responsibility (see earlier) was expected by most analysts given the timing, type and target of the Manchester bombing, writes Jason Burke.
It obviously comes after a series of attacks executed by Isis networks or sympathisers (or both) across Europe, including the UK. The attacks have varied in some aspects but are all clearly part of the same effort by the group to terrorise western European populations, polarise communities and motivate their own supporters.
Experts have long predicated a wave of violence as the group’s strongholds in the Syria and Iraq crumble under military pressure.
Those predictions were partly based on the idea of a wave of British, French, Belgian and German veterans of the war in Iraq and Syria returning to their former homes. It is unclear if that is happening, or if this latest attack was executed by such an individual or by someone whose connections with the group, if any existed at all, appear very tenuous. The claim of responsibility provides some clues.
Until recently, Isis claims were seen as credible. The group only claimed attacks which were linked directly or indirectly to it, and it was often careful to indicate whether an attacker had been inspired or directed in the vocabulary used in its communications.
Casualties were often inflated - here the claim is of 100 crusaders - but claims of links to the attackers were usually substantiated. Sometimes claims included inaccuracies - an early communiqué after the November 2015 attacks in Paris listed a bombing among the various attacks launched by its cell which didn’t happen - but this seems more due to operational issues rather than a desire to brag, deny, obfuscate or invent.
More recently, however, the claims have been demonstrably less accurate. Isis claimed the Nice truck attack last year, though no evidence has emerged of any links between the group and the man who murdered more than 80 people in the French city during the 14th July parade.
It also claimed the Westminster attack in London in March, though again, there is nothing to indicate anyone from the organisation was in touch with Khalid Massood, the extremist who drove a truck into pedestrians and stabbed a policeman outside Parliament.
Some details of the group’s claim of responsibility for the recent Champs Élysée shooting - by a radicalised police-hating career criminal - just before the French election also appear wide of the mark.In recent years analysts have looked at the timing of claims. If they were issued quickly – and included some telling operational detail that would only be known to conspirators – then that obviously indicated Isis had prior knowledge of the attack. If they were slower and lacked precision then it implied the group was more distanced.
In several cases, Isis provided proof of its deep involvement by publishing pre-recorded videos of attackers, though some of these appear to have reached the group only as the attack was underway. We will have to see if this kind of evidence now emerges.
What we haven’t had yet is Isis claiming an attack that has absolutely nothing to do with their agenda and ideology, which is important in working out who was responsible for this tragedy. Clearly we will know more when we learn something concrete about the identity of the bomber.
Islamic State's official statement re #Manchester, w/ dubious figures re casualties, distributed on Nashir News channels before Amaq report pic.twitter.com/bQ17QSmxw5
1.54pm BST
13:54
Sandra Laville
A witness in Wilbraham Road, south-west Manchester, has confirmed that an arrest took place there this morning.
Bob Down, who works at a PR agency above the Elektric Club in the road, said: “There were police in a couple of cars and I saw them with one guy putting him into the back of a police van. it was quite low key. They guy looked quite young.”
We cannot confirm reports that this was the 23-year-old arrested by Manchester police.
Updated
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1.52pm BST
13:52
Theresa May and Amber Rudd, the home secretary, have arrived at the Greater Manchester police HQ.
Prime Minister and Home Secretary arriving at GMP police headquarters pic.twitter.com/mrRWsTiuko
1.50pm BST
13:50
Controlled explosion in Fallowfield, south Manchester
Manchester police have conducted a controlled explosion and made two more arrests.
In a brief statement the force said:
Police have executed warrants, one in Whalley Range, and one in Fallowfield, where a controlled explosion took place, as part of the investigation into last night’s horrific attack at the Manchester Arena.
pic.twitter.com/CzJ1Cyjtfu
Updated
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1.47pm BST
13:47
Journalist Ed Caesar, who has written for the Sunday Times and the New Yorker, tweets a picture of the man he claims is the 23-year-old who was arrested by police this morning near his home.
This cannot be verified. The location of the photograph is Wilbraham Road in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
Photo from a friend. Definitely my neighbourhood. pic.twitter.com/qBGLk1jagt
I'm in Manchester centre but being told the man was arrested by armed police outside my local branch of Morrison's, in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
Updated
at 1.49pm BST
1.30pm BST1.30pm BST
13:3013:30
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
David Semple, chairman of the Manchester Conservative Federation said he had heard rumours that the suicide bomber may have lived in the flats in the Whalley Range/Chorlton area being raided by the police. He said: David Semple, the chairman of the Manchester Conservative Federation, said he had heard rumours that the suicide bomber may have lived in the flats in Whalley Range being raided by the police. He said:
We saw loads of police cars coming down the street and just followed them. Can’t believe it really.We saw loads of police cars coming down the street and just followed them. Can’t believe it really.
We heard he could be from here but not 100per cent. They are signing everyone out of the apartments now-it all feels very strange. We heard he could be from here but not 100%. They are signing everyone out of the apartments now – it all feels very strange.
Armed police remained at the scene and the gates to the complex remained locked. A mother and her newborn baby were allowed to leave the complex and she was met by her relatives but no-one else has been allowed to leave. Armed police remained at the scene and the gates to the complex remained locked. A mother and her newborn baby were allowed to leave the complex and she was met by her relatives but no one else has been allowed to leave.
Hassan Swn, 26, a Palestinian student said police were not allowing residents to collect their cars. The project management graduate, said: Hassan Swn, 26, a Palestinian student, said police were not allowing residents to collect their cars. The project management graduate, said:
I had a job interview but can’t go because they won’t let me get my car. They said something serious is happening but we don’t know exactly what it’s going on.I had a job interview but can’t go because they won’t let me get my car. They said something serious is happening but we don’t know exactly what it’s going on.
Updated
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1.29pm BST1.29pm BST
13:2913:29
Robert BoothRobert Booth
Robert Booth has been speaking to a witness of today’s raid in south Manchester.Robert Booth has been speaking to a witness of today’s raid in south Manchester.
Neil Labrow, a resident of the Royston Court apartment complex in Whalley Range, where armed police were engaged in a raid this lunch time, said he didn’t want to leave his flat while the police operation was ongoing. Neil Labrow, a resident of the Royston Court apartment complex in Whalley Range, where armed police were engaged in a raid at lunchtime, said he didn’t want to leave his flat while the police operation was under way.
He said residents have been told by police they can leave, but that they will not be able to return to their homes until further notice. He said in a phone call that residents had been told by police that they could leave, but they would not be able to return to their homes until further notice.
From his window he said he could see three officers in helmets and carrying guns “like you see them using at the airport”. From his window he said he could see three officers in helmets, carrying guns “like you see them using at the airport”.
He said the activity appeared to be focused on a recently built blocks of mostly two bedroom apartments. He said the activity appeared to be focused on a recently built block of mostly two-bedroom apartments.
“There’s quite a turnover of population so you don’t get to know people,” he said, by phone. “There’s quite a turnover of population so you don’t get to know people,” he said.
“There are quite a few Asian families, many students that bring their families over. It was a rough area but over the years it has got much better and there’s not much trouble.”“There are quite a few Asian families, many students that bring their families over. It was a rough area but over the years it has got much better and there’s not much trouble.”
Updated
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1.25pm BST1.25pm BST
13:2513:25
12 children among the wounded Twelve children among the wounded
Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the attack, according to David Ratcliffe, medical director of North West Ambulance Service. Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospital after the attack, according to David Ratcliffe, the medical director of North West ambulance service.
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1.22pm BST1.22pm BST
13:2213:22
Isis claim responsibility Isis claims responsibility
More on Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack. “A soldier of the Caliphate managed to place explosive devises in the midst of gatherings of the Crusaders in the British City of Manchester,” its news service said.More on Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack. “A soldier of the Caliphate managed to place explosive devises in the midst of gatherings of the Crusaders in the British City of Manchester,” its news service said.
A statement from Islamic State claiming responsibility for last night's attack has been released in English as well now. pic.twitter.com/xiYXf4hKfrA statement from Islamic State claiming responsibility for last night's attack has been released in English as well now. pic.twitter.com/xiYXf4hKfr
IS Claims Credit for Manchester Bombing, Killing and Wounding Nearly 100 https://t.co/8FZh8E5sAzIS Claims Credit for Manchester Bombing, Killing and Wounding Nearly 100 https://t.co/8FZh8E5sAz
Updated
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1.19pm BST1.19pm BST
13:1913:19
Here is the White House read-out of President Trump’s phone call with Theresa May.Here is the White House read-out of President Trump’s phone call with Theresa May.
President Donald J Trump spoke this morning from Jerusalem with prime minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom about the apparent terrorist act in Manchester, England.President Donald J Trump spoke this morning from Jerusalem with prime minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom about the apparent terrorist act in Manchester, England.
The two leaders agreed that this attack – which targeted teenage children and their friends at a joyous event – was particularly wanton and depraved.The two leaders agreed that this attack – which targeted teenage children and their friends at a joyous event – was particularly wanton and depraved.
The president reassured the prime minister that Americans stand with the people of the United Kingdom and that our resolve will never waiver in the face of terrorism. He offered American aid in the United Kingdom’s investigation and vowed to continue the mutual fight against terrorism.The president reassured the prime minister that Americans stand with the people of the United Kingdom and that our resolve will never waiver in the face of terrorism. He offered American aid in the United Kingdom’s investigation and vowed to continue the mutual fight against terrorism.
Both leaders commended the courage, speed and professionalism of those who responded to the wounded, secured the innocent, and tended to the survivors and their families.Both leaders commended the courage, speed and professionalism of those who responded to the wounded, secured the innocent, and tended to the survivors and their families.
The president said he looks forward to seeing prime minister May in person this week and discussing America’s unbreakable commitment to the United Kingdom and the ways both countries can work with allies and partners around the world to defeat terrorism.The president said he looks forward to seeing prime minister May in person this week and discussing America’s unbreakable commitment to the United Kingdom and the ways both countries can work with allies and partners around the world to defeat terrorism.
May and Trump are due to meet later this week at a G7 meeting in Sicily.May and Trump are due to meet later this week at a G7 meeting in Sicily.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.22pm BSTat 1.22pm BST
1.15pm BST1.15pm BST
13:1513:15
Saffie Rose Roussos, aged eight, is second victim to be namedSaffie Rose Roussos, aged eight, is second victim to be named
Sandra LavilleSandra Laville
A “beautiful little girl” has been named as a victim of the suspected suicide attack after the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that has left at least 22 dead and 59 people injured.A “beautiful little girl” has been named as a victim of the suspected suicide attack after the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that has left at least 22 dead and 59 people injured.
Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, was at the concert with her mother, Lisa, and sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were later found injured in separate hospitals.Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, was at the concert with her mother, Lisa, and sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were later found injured in separate hospitals.
Chris Upton, the headteacher at Tarleton Community primary school, where Saffie was a pupil said:Chris Upton, the headteacher at Tarleton Community primary school, where Saffie was a pupil said:
Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.
The news of her death had come as a “tremendous shock”, he added. “The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.”The news of her death had come as a “tremendous shock”, he added. “The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.”
The tight-knit school would be helping staff and pupils to cope with the shocking news, he said.The tight-knit school would be helping staff and pupils to cope with the shocking news, he said.
Saffie was at the concert with her mother Lisa and her sister Ash. It is understood Lisa and Ash are being treated in hospitalSaffie was at the concert with her mother Lisa and her sister Ash. It is understood Lisa and Ash are being treated in hospital
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.27pm BSTat 1.27pm BST
1.14pm BST1.14pm BST
13:1413:14
What we know so far about the attack:What we know so far about the attack:
At least 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade. The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.At least 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suicide bombing at a crowded pop concert in Manchester, the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade. The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande, whose music is popular with children and teenagers.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to an unverified report by Reuters. Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device.Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to an unverified report by Reuters. Greater Manchester police say the perpetrator was a man acting alone, who died at the scene after detonating an improvised explosive device.
Manchester police have confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old in connection with last night’s attack. Officers in riot gear with guns have also raided a flat on the Whalley Range/Chorlton border. Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network.Manchester police have confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old in connection with last night’s attack. Officers in riot gear with guns have also raided a flat on the Whalley Range/Chorlton border. Investigators are trying to establish whether the bomber was part of a wider network.
Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre was evacuated after a security alert as the atmosphere in the city remains tense. Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested in the centre in an operation thought to be unrelated to the attack.Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre was evacuated after a security alert as the atmosphere in the city remains tense. Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested in the centre in an operation thought to be unrelated to the attack.
Some of the first victims have been been named. Runshaw College, where 18-year-old Georgina Callander was a student, released a statement, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students.” It was also confirmed that eight-year-old Saffie Roussos was killed in that attack.Some of the first victims have been been named. Runshaw College, where 18-year-old Georgina Callander was a student, released a statement, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Monday’s Manchester attack was one of our students.” It was also confirmed that eight-year-old Saffie Roussos was killed in that attack.
A large area around the Manchester arena has been cordoned off. Victoria station has been closed and train services cancelled for the whole of Tuesday. Police have asked people to stay away from the area.A large area around the Manchester arena has been cordoned off. Victoria station has been closed and train services cancelled for the whole of Tuesday. Police have asked people to stay away from the area.
Extra police have been deployed in many cities including London. The British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.Extra police have been deployed in many cities including London. The British Transport Police said extra officers, some armed, would be on patrol today.
A vigil for the victims will be held in Manchester centre tonight. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “There is a need for the city, and the city region, to come together, so we are making arrangements for a vigil.”A vigil for the victims will be held in Manchester centre tonight. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “There is a need for the city, and the city region, to come together, so we are making arrangements for a vigil.”
Reaction:Reaction:
Theresa May condemned the attack as “sickening”. Speaking outside Downing Street after charing an emergency Cobra meeting, she said :“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” May will travel to Manchester later on Tuesday.Theresa May condemned the attack as “sickening”. Speaking outside Downing Street after charing an emergency Cobra meeting, she said :“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” May will travel to Manchester later on Tuesday.
The Queen has expressed her “deepest sympathy” to all those affected. She added that “the whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury”.The Queen has expressed her “deepest sympathy” to all those affected. She added that “the whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury”.
Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended. Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall also expressed condolences.Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended. Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn, Nicola Sturgeon, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood and Paul Nuttall also expressed condolences.
Donald Trump, has condemned the “evil losers” behind the attack. “This wicked ideology must be obliterated – and I mean completely obliterated – and the innocent life must be protected.Donald Trump, has condemned the “evil losers” behind the attack. “This wicked ideology must be obliterated – and I mean completely obliterated – and the innocent life must be protected.
Leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with the UK. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the UK.Leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with the UK. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the UK.
Columnist Katie Hopkins has been reported to police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” following the terror attack at Manchester Arena. She later deleted the tweet.Columnist Katie Hopkins has been reported to police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” following the terror attack at Manchester Arena. She later deleted the tweet.
Faith leaders and community organisations across the UK have condemned the attack. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, said “dark evil” cannot overcome “Heroic Mancheste”. Harun Khan, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”Faith leaders and community organisations across the UK have condemned the attack. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, said “dark evil” cannot overcome “Heroic Mancheste”. Harun Khan, the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.”
Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, tweeted that she was “broken” by the attack. “I am so so sorry. I don’t have words,” she said.Ariana Grande, who was not hurt in the explosion, tweeted that she was “broken” by the attack. “I am so so sorry. I don’t have words,” she said.
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
President Trump has tweeted this.President Trump has tweeted this.
We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXEWe stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXE
1.03pm BST
13:03
Mr Hamed, who runs the Q2 management company which maintains the buildings in the Whalley Range/Chorlton area of Manchester where a police raid is taking place (see 12.40pm and 12.56pm), says a flat at the back end of the complex was raided close to the Spire hospital. He was called to the building by a relative who lives in the flats. He said:
My daughter-in-law lives here and she rang me to say that police are here. All the people living here are families. I can’t believe that. I did not know them personally but have a good number coming from outside the UK, like students, but we don’t have any people living on their own. It is not good news.
We have students from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Libya and then families from Manchester. They are two-bed flats. They are from every race.
Updated
at 1.17pm BST
12.56pm BST
12:56
Nazia Parveen
All entry points to the road have been cordoned off and residents are being held back by officers. It is understood the man who detonated the bomb lived in one of the flats at Royston Court in Carlton Road being raided by the police.
Residents said the flats were built two years ago and are mainly occupied by refugees.
Updated
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12.56pm BST
12:56
This is from the BBC’s home affairs correspondent, Tom Symonds, on Islamic State claiming responsibility for the Manchester attack.
IS has claimed responsibility for the Manchester Arena blast. The claim was made via IS channels on the messaging app Telegram.
And this is from Gordon Corera, the BBC’s security correspondent.
IS message saying 'Soldier of the Caliphate' carried out Manchester attack. Can mean inspired rather than directed attack
Updated
at 12.57pm BST
12.48pm BST
12:48
According to Reuters, Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. This cannot be independently verified.
Updated
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12.46pm BST
12:46
Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, has said the American authorities are “working closely” with the British authorities to help them investigate the attack.
Statement by Secretary Tillerson on last night's attack in Manchester, UK. #manchesterattack pic.twitter.com/MfgenZKpme
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at 12.48pm BST
12.43pm BST
12:43
Severin Carrell
STV has postponed its live televised Scottish leaders’ debate scheduled for Wednesday evening after the Manchester Arena bombing, with the parties preparing to suspend campaigning for much of this week.
The debate, due to be broadcast from the Tramway arts centre in Glasgow, was to include Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish National party leader, Ruth Davidson, of the Scottish Tories, Kezia Dugdale, of Scottish Labour, and Willie Rennie, of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
STV said: “In light of events in Manchester and the suspension of general election campaigning, STV has taken the decision to postpone its Scottish party leaders’ debate planned for Wednesday evening.”
Updated
at 12.47pm BST
12.40pm BST
12:40
Nazia Parveen
Officers in riot gear with guns have raided a flat on the Whalley Range/Chorlton border.
More than a dozen officers in unmarked cars and police vans raided a flat at Royston Court in Carlton Road at about 12.20pm.
The public were told to keep out of the way as the officers made their way to the flat on the tree-lined street. A large police presence remains in the area.
Updated
at 12.42pm BST
12.35pm BST
12:35
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has confirmed police are in contact with the families of two Scottish teenagers who are missing after attending the concert in Manchester targeted in a terror attack.
Speaking at St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh after a meeting of the Scottish government’s resilience committee, Sturgeon described the attack as a “dreadful atrocity”.
She also said that four people had attended hospitals in Scotland after the bomb attack. Two of them have already been discharged, she said.
Updated
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12:27
The director general of MI5, Andrew Parker, has condemned the terrorist attack in Manchester as “disgusting” and said the security service remains “relentlessly focused, in numerous current operations, on doing all we can to combat the scourge of terrorism and keep the country safe”.
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12:23
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has condemned the attack. Speaking during his meeting with President Trump, Abbas said:
Allow me at the beginning to condemn the horrible terrorist attack that occurred in the British city of Manchester … I do offer my warm condolences to the prime minister of Britain, families of victims and the British people.
Updated
at 12.26pm BST