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Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest | Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest |
(35 minutes later) | |
3.08pm BST | |
15:08 | |
The BBC is playing a clip of an interview with Theresa May in Manchester. | |
She says an “absolutely callous” act has taken place. | |
She has spoken to the police about the inquiry. They are working to see if the attacker was part of a wider group. | |
Q: The youngest victim named was eight. | |
May says this is a “horrendous tragedy”. She is ensuring the police have the resources they need. | |
She thanks the police for their work. Officers turned up for work when they were off duty. | |
The terrorists must not prevail. | |
Q: What can you say to people worried if their children will be safe at concerts this summer? | |
May says the police will be looking at events to ensure that people are safe. | |
We must ensure our values prevail, she says. | |
Updated | |
at 3.11pm BST | |
3.07pm BST | |
15:07 | |
That vigil for the victims will take place between 6pm and 7pm, Manchester police has confirmed. | |
pic.twitter.com/7yJgFx998b | |
Updated | |
at 3.08pm BST | |
3.01pm BST | |
15:01 | |
Prince Charles has expressed his deep distress. In a statement, he said: | |
My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night. | |
That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness. | |
Words cannot adequately express what so many families must be feeling at this incredibly difficult time and our most heartfelt sympathy is with all those who have so tragically lost loved ones or who have been affected in some way. | |
A message of condolence from The Prince of Wales following the attack in Manchester yesterday. https://t.co/5TWglsOxQP | |
Updated | |
at 3.02pm BST | |
2.52pm BST | |
14:52 | |
Frances Perraudin | |
Residents have gathered at the entrance to Elsmore Road in the suburb of Fallowfield, where police reportedly carried out a controlled explosion at about 12.30 today. | |
Many say they have heard that a man was arrested at gunpoint at this address, but I haven’t found anybody who actually saw it. | |
The road has been blocked off, there is a police helicopter overhead and scores of police officers can be seen outside a property at the end of the street. There is also a fire engine parked nearby. | |
Neville Edwards, who lives locally and whose mother’s house backs on to the property raided by police, said he came to see what was going on after he heard the explosion. | |
He says he doesn’t know the people who live in the house and, although there have been a few names “bandied about”, he isn’t familiar with any of them. | |
“The explosion rocked windows and my mum said it rocked her house,” he says. “There were people as far as Platt Lane, which is half a mile away, who felt it.” | |
He says it was “shocking and scary” for people in the area, given what happened last night. Lots of local parents went to pick children up from the local primary school when they heard it, he says. “There are a lot of families with young children in the area and they need reassuring that it’s under control. | |
“As you can see it’s a really close-knit area, with really good community links,” says Edwards. “Everybody knows everybody and people would do anything for each other, which makes it even more shocking that this has happened at an address in the area.” | |
Forensic officers were photographed searching an address in Elsmore Road. | |
Updated | |
at 2.59pm BST | |
2.46pm BST | |
14:46 | |
2.44pm BST | |
14:44 | |
Nadia Khomami | |
The British Red Cross has set up a reception centre at the Manchester Etihad stadium for family and friends of those involved in the attack. | |
Niall Pemberton, a senior emergency response officer, is managing four volunteers who are giving support to the families affected. | |
He said the atmosphere inside the stadium was sombre. “People are processing the incident, processing their grief, processing their trauma and really going through that array of emotions that would be expected in a situation like this,” he said. | |
Police have asked people to go to the reception centre if they are still awaiting information and want to be reunited with someone who is missing, as well as those coming to terms with the death of someone who was at the concert. “There’s a real mixture of people,” Pemberton said. | |
He said there were 10- 12 families in the reception centre. | |
“We’ve been here since about 8 o’clock this morning. It’s a voluntary response. We’re offering practical and emotional support, what that looks like in practice is helping people come to terms with the situation they’re going through, offering people space, the opportunity to have someone to talk to, or provide refreshments if they’re needed.” | |
The families are helping each other too, he added. “People are processing grief and the information they’re hearing in different ways. They’re coming together to offer support. The community of Manchester has also put tremendous effort in offering their support.” | |
Updated | |
at 3.01pm BST | |
2.44pm BST | |
14:44 | |
Severin Carrell | |
Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs at Holyrood an urgent security review is under way for policing major public events, including this Saturday’s Scottish cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden stadium in Glasgow. | |
In a short statement updating the Scottish parliament on the Manchester Arena attack, the first minister confirmed Police Scotland has significantly increased the deployment of armed officers and armed response vehicles in public places as a precaution. | |
Officers from Police Scotland and the British Transport police were on duty at motorway service stations and train stations to interview any Scottish concert-goers on their way home who could be witnesses to the attack, she said. | |
Sturgeon added that two teenagers from the small Hebridean island of Barra who had attended the Ariana Grande concert, Laura MacIntyre 15, and Eilidh MacLeod, 14, were still missing, 14 hours after the attack. So far, four Scottish injured victims had been identified, with two already discharged from hospital and a third expected to be released later today. | |
She and Ken Macintosh, Holyrood’s presiding officer, said they had written separately to the mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, sharing their condolences. | |
Macintosh said: | |
There is a tangible sense of shock and sorrow in parliament as we come together today and reflect on the events of last night in Manchester. The fact that those deliberately targeted in the attack were innocent children and young people who had come together to enjoy a concert makes the news all the more devastating. | |
Updated | |
at 2.47pm BST | |
2.34pm BST | 2.34pm BST |
14:34 | 14:34 |
Polish citizens are among those missing after the attack, the Polish foreign ministry has confirmed to Jakub Krupa from the Polish Press Agency. | Polish citizens are among those missing after the attack, the Polish foreign ministry has confirmed to Jakub Krupa from the Polish Press Agency. |
CONFIRMED: Polish MFA says Polish citizens are among the people missing after last night's terrorist attack in Manchester. | CONFIRMED: Polish MFA says Polish citizens are among the people missing after last night's terrorist attack in Manchester. |
He says Angelika and Marcin Klis are reported missing. | He says Angelika and Marcin Klis are reported missing. |
Two Polish citizens, Angelika and Marcin Klis, reported missing after the Manchester attack last night; no verified reports about their fate pic.twitter.com/d38g5Mx1ff | Two Polish citizens, Angelika and Marcin Klis, reported missing after the Manchester attack last night; no verified reports about their fate pic.twitter.com/d38g5Mx1ff |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.37pm BST | at 2.37pm BST |
2.23pm BST | 2.23pm BST |
14:23 | 14:23 |
The RMT has suspended a planned strike next week on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail in the wake of the Manchester attack. | The RMT has suspended a planned strike next week on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail in the wake of the Manchester attack. |
Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: “In light of the horrific bombing in Manchester last night, and the heightened safety and security alerts on our transport services, RMT’s executive has taken the decision to suspend the 24 hours of strike action scheduled for Tuesday 30 May on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail. | Mick Cash, the RMT general secretary, said: “In light of the horrific bombing in Manchester last night, and the heightened safety and security alerts on our transport services, RMT’s executive has taken the decision to suspend the 24 hours of strike action scheduled for Tuesday 30 May on Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Southern Rail. |
“Our thoughts and solidarity at this time are with the people of Manchester.” | “Our thoughts and solidarity at this time are with the people of Manchester.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.32pm BST | at 2.32pm BST |
2.15pm BST | 2.15pm BST |
14:15 | 14:15 |
It seems that the controlled explosion in Fallowfield occurred on Elsmore Road. The Press Association has this: | It seems that the controlled explosion in Fallowfield occurred on Elsmore Road. The Press Association has this: |
Armed police sealed off Elsmore Road this morning as residents heard a large bang in the street. | Armed police sealed off Elsmore Road this morning as residents heard a large bang in the street. |
Rosemary Ward, 21, said: “They were all running out of the house when a big bomb went off. That’s obviously what it was because the whole house was shaking. Everyone was panicking. I heard there was 20 people in that one house. It was scary.” | Rosemary Ward, 21, said: “They were all running out of the house when a big bomb went off. That’s obviously what it was because the whole house was shaking. Everyone was panicking. I heard there was 20 people in that one house. It was scary.” |
She said: “I’m shaking. I’m just worried about my child.” | She said: “I’m shaking. I’m just worried about my child.” |
Ward added: “It was the bang that shook us up. I started crying and just picked my child up.” She said the police operation was at about 11.30am. | Ward added: “It was the bang that shook us up. I started crying and just picked my child up.” She said the police operation was at about 11.30am. |
There was s reportedly a controlled explosion here a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/PV23szWntn | There was s reportedly a controlled explosion here a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/PV23szWntn |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.31pm BST | at 2.31pm BST |
2.10pm BST | 2.10pm BST |
14:10 | 14:10 |
Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, arrived at Royal Manchester Children’s hospital on Tuesday afternoon but declined to comment as he rushed into the building. | Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, arrived at Royal Manchester Children’s hospital on Tuesday afternoon but declined to comment as he rushed into the building. |
Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospitals in the city, medical staff told reporters outside the Manchester Royal infirmary. | Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 casualties taken to hospitals in the city, medical staff told reporters outside the Manchester Royal infirmary. |
David Ratcliffe, the medical director of the North West ambulance service, said 12 patients were taken by ambulance to the children’s Hospital. Nine were taken to the neighbouring infirmary. Others were taken to hospitals across Greater Manchester. | David Ratcliffe, the medical director of the North West ambulance service, said 12 patients were taken by ambulance to the children’s Hospital. Nine were taken to the neighbouring infirmary. Others were taken to hospitals across Greater Manchester. |
In a statement, Jon Rouse, the chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, expressed “deep condolences” to the victims and their families. | In a statement, Jon Rouse, the chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, expressed “deep condolences” to the victims and their families. |
“It’s been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester,” he said. “Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well.” | “It’s been a terrible night and morning in terms of Greater Manchester,” he said. “Although we have also seen some of the best aspects of Greater Manchester and the people who live there as well.” |
Dozens of cameras and reporters are assembled outside the infirmary in an otherwise calm atmosphere. | Dozens of cameras and reporters are assembled outside the infirmary in an otherwise calm atmosphere. |
Rouse added: “Clearly there are a number of individuals who have very, very serious injuries and are requiring intensive care and people who are going to be in hospital for a long time in terms of that treatment.” | Rouse added: “Clearly there are a number of individuals who have very, very serious injuries and are requiring intensive care and people who are going to be in hospital for a long time in terms of that treatment.” |
Ratcliffe said: “We sent 60 vehicles to the site, along with highly specialised crews, highly specialised teams, that were able to stabilise patients at the scene and ensure that they received the right treatment at the scene before evacuation to hospital. We took 59 patients to local A&Es around the Greater Manchester area.” | Ratcliffe said: “We sent 60 vehicles to the site, along with highly specialised crews, highly specialised teams, that were able to stabilise patients at the scene and ensure that they received the right treatment at the scene before evacuation to hospital. We took 59 patients to local A&Es around the Greater Manchester area.” |
He said nine patients had been taken to the infirmary, six to Salford Royal Foundation Trust, six to the University Hospital of South Manchester, six to Stepping Hill, eight to Bolton hospital, seven to the Royal Oldham hospital and five to North Manchester hospital. | He said nine patients had been taken to the infirmary, six to Salford Royal Foundation Trust, six to the University Hospital of South Manchester, six to Stepping Hill, eight to Bolton hospital, seven to the Royal Oldham hospital and five to North Manchester hospital. |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.35pm BST | at 2.35pm BST |
2.06pm BST | 2.06pm BST |
14:06 | 14:06 |
Jason Burke | Jason Burke |
The Isis claim of responsibility (see earlier) was expected by most analysts given the timing, type and target of the Manchester bombing | The Isis claim of responsibility (see earlier) was expected by most analysts given the timing, type and target of the Manchester bombing |
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. | 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 predicted a wave of violence as the group’s strongholds in Syria and Iraq crumble under military pressure. | Experts have long predicted a wave of violence as the group’s strongholds in 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 terrorist group’s war in Iraq and Syria returning to their former homes. It is unclear if that is happening generally, or if this latest attack was executed by such an individual or by someone whose connections with the group are tenuous, or even exist at all. The claim of responsibility provides some clues. | Those predictions were partly based on the idea of a wave of British, French, Belgian and German veterans of the terrorist group’s war in Iraq and Syria returning to their former homes. It is unclear if that is happening generally, or if this latest attack was executed by such an individual or by someone whose connections with the group are tenuous, or even exist at all. The claim of responsibility provides some clues. |
Until recently, Isis claims were seen as credible. The group only claimed attacks that were directly or indirectly linked to it, and it was often careful to indicate through the vocabulary used in its communications whether an attacker had been inspired or directed by the group. | Until recently, Isis claims were seen as credible. The group only claimed attacks that were directly or indirectly linked to it, and it was often careful to indicate through the vocabulary used in its communications whether an attacker had been inspired or directed by the group. |
Casualty numbers 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 message after the November 2015 attacks in Paris included a bombing, which didn’t happen, among the various attacks launched by its cell – but this seems more due to operational issues than a desire to brag, deny, obfuscate or invent. | Casualty numbers 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 message after the November 2015 attacks in Paris included a bombing, which didn’t happen, among the various attacks launched by its cell – but this seems more due to operational issues than a desire to brag, deny, obfuscate or invent. |
More recently, however, the claims have been demonstrably less accurate. Isis claimed responsibility for the truck attack in Nice 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 14 July celebrations. | More recently, however, the claims have been demonstrably less accurate. Isis claimed responsibility for the truck attack in Nice 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 14 July celebrations. |
It also claimed responsibility for 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 car into pedestrians and stabbed a police officer outside parliament. | It also claimed responsibility for 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 car into pedestrians and stabbed a police officer 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 appeared to be wide of the mark. | 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 appeared to be wide of the mark. |
The Manchester claim has some inaccuracies and gaps: it appears to indicate that several explosive devices were left at the arena rather than a single one being set off by the bomber as a suicide attack; and, unusually, the nom de guerre of the attacker is not given. The former confusion may indicate that a planned operation went awry, with perhaps the bomber setting off the explosives early by accident. The latter omission is harder to explain if Isis was deeply involved in the attack. | The Manchester claim has some inaccuracies and gaps: it appears to indicate that several explosive devices were left at the arena rather than a single one being set off by the bomber as a suicide attack; and, unusually, the nom de guerre of the attacker is not given. The former confusion may indicate that a planned operation went awry, with perhaps the bomber setting off the explosives early by accident. The latter omission is harder to explain if Isis was deeply involved in the attack. |
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 indicated Isis had prior knowledge of the attack. If they were slower and lacked precision then it implied the group was more distant. | 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 indicated Isis had prior knowledge of the attack. If they were slower and lacked precision then it implied the group was more distant. |
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 under way. We will have to see if this kind of evidence emerges. | 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 under way. We will have to see if this kind of evidence 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. | 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 | Islamic State's official statement re #Manchester, w/ dubious figures re casualties, distributed on Nashir News channels before Amaq report pic.twitter.com/bQ17QSmxw5 |
Updated | Updated |
at 2.38pm BST | at 2.38pm BST |
1.54pm BST | 1.54pm BST |
13:54 | 13:54 |
Sandra Laville | Sandra Laville |
A witness in Wilbraham Road, south-west Manchester, has confirmed that an arrest took place there this morning. | 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.” | 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. | We cannot confirm reports that this was the 23-year-old arrested by Manchester police. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.57pm BST | at 1.57pm BST |
1.52pm BST | 1.52pm BST |
13:52 | 13:52 |
Theresa May and Amber Rudd, the home secretary, have arrived at the Greater Manchester police HQ. | 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 | Prime Minister and Home Secretary arriving at GMP police headquarters pic.twitter.com/mrRWsTiuko |