This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-ariana-grande-concert-explosion-england

The article has changed 54 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
Manchester Arena bombing: Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, named as second victim of suicide attack – latest Manchester Arena bombing: Police name attacker as Salman Ramadan Abedi, 22 – latest
(35 minutes later)
5.35pm BST
17:35
Helen Pidd
If you want to buy the doctors and nurses at Manchester Royal Infirmary a pint tonight, you have until 6pm to donate to a kitty behind the bar at the Turing Tap, the hospital’s on-site pub. So far more than £1,100 has been pledged to say thank you to the staff who worked through the night to save lives.
5.34pm BST
17:34
Frances Perraudin
Alan and Frances Kinsey live opposite the raided house on Elsmore Road in Fallowfield. The first they knew of the raid was when Alan tried to leave the house at about 11.30am and was told to go back inside by police.
Video he took on his phone from an upstairs window shows some 30 armed police officers surrounding the house and blowing the door open. Alan, 52, said he watched the house following the raid and did not see anybody being taken out.The couple, who have lived in their house for 17 years, say they do not know the family at the address to talk to. The raid came as a horrible shock, they added.
They say that for the past six months there has seemed to only be a man in his twenties living in the house, with others occasionally coming and going. Alan described the man as more than 6ft2, slim and usually wearing traditional Islamic dress.Alan says he only communicated with the man once, when they disagreed over parking.
Updated
at 5.35pm BST
5.28pm BST
17:28
This is the full statement read by GMP chief constable Ian Hopkins:
“Can I start by once again passing on our heartfelt sympathies to all the innocent people caught up in last night’s despicable act. “We now have a team of specially trained family liaison officers who are supporting families. “There has been much speculation and names of those who may have been killed in the media and social media. We accept that this is inevitable, however, we ask that people allow the police and coroner to release the names once the families are ready and appropriately supported. “As you would expect the police response to this across Greater Manchester has been significant as we support people to go about their daily business. “Part of this response has seen us arrest a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack and we have also carried out two warrants, one in Whalley Range and one in Fallowfield that included a controlled explosion to enable safe entry. “We understand that feelings are very raw right now and people are bound to be looking for answers. However, now, more than ever, it is vital that our diverse communities in Greater Manchester stand together and do not tolerate hate. “We have been visited by the prime minster and home secretary and we have taken them through the emergency response so far and what we plan to do in future days. “I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night’s atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. However, he has not yet been formally identified and I wouldn’t wish, therefore, to comment further. The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.”
Updated
at 5.30pm BST
5.22pm BST
17:22
Bomber named by police
The suicide bomber behind the Manchester terror attack has been named by police as Salman Abedi, 22. Abedi, believed to be from Manchester, was named by the Greater Manchester police chief constable, Ian Hopkins, in a media briefing outside the force’s headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.
Updated
at 5.35pm BST
5.15pm BST
17:15
A garden party at Buckingham Palace has observed a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack. Moments after the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Eugenie arrived at the event a drum roll signalled the start of the tribute.
The minute’s silence was observed just before the playing of the national anthem, which is normally played before garden parties at the palace begin.
In a message of support, the Queen said: “The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert. I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.”
Updated
at 5.32pm BST
5.07pm BST
17:07
Severin Carrell
The parents of two schoolgirls from the Hebridean island of Barra – Laura MacIntyre, 15, and Eilidh MacLeod, 14 – who remain missing after the concert bombing flew to Manchester on Tuesday to help police find their children.
A tweet by Laura’s father Micheal appealing for news of his daughter was retweeted more than 13,000 times:
Please...please reetweet. Looking for my daughter and her friend . Laura Macintyre and Eilidh Macleod #manchesterattack pic.twitter.com/1N0cikPQEf
A similar Facebook post by Eilidh’s great-aunt, Margaret MacNeil, was shared nearly 84,000 times. She wrote: “Please let us find the girls safe and well.”
Angus MacNeil, the MP for the Western Isles and a family friend of the MacIntyres, said police had asked the girls’ parents for a detailed description of their clothing to help find them.
The island has a population of just over 1,000, and MacNeil said islanders were feeling extremely tense after such a long time without news. The teenagers, who are pupils at the small community high school in Castlebay, had travelled to the concert with Eilidh’s mother Marion on Sunday, MacNeil said.
The girls’ fathers and Laura’s mother had managed to get seats on Tuesday on the only available flight to the mainland from the nearby island of Benbecula after other passengers gave up their places.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, told MSPs at Holyrood that the two girls were still unaccounted for. Police Scotland liaison officers are supporting the family.
“It is hard for any of us to imagine the anguish that their families are going through,” Sturgeon said. “They are in our thoughts and the Scottish government and Police Scotland will do all we possibly can to ensure that they have all the support they need.”
Updated
at 5.14pm BST
4.56pm BST4.56pm BST
16:5616:56
The three Take That concerts due to take place at the Manchester Arena later this week have been postponed, the venue said this afternoon.The three Take That concerts due to take place at the Manchester Arena later this week have been postponed, the venue said this afternoon.
pic.twitter.com/HkR9ilSTStpic.twitter.com/HkR9ilSTSt
4.53pm BST4.53pm BST
16:5316:53
Here is Theresa May signing the book of condolence at Manchester town hall.Here is Theresa May signing the book of condolence at Manchester town hall.
Theresa May signs a book of condolence at Manchester town hall after the terror attack at the city's arena pic.twitter.com/L5BDBvAwNcTheresa May signs a book of condolence at Manchester town hall after the terror attack at the city's arena pic.twitter.com/L5BDBvAwNc
4.49pm BST4.49pm BST
16:4916:49
Sarah MarshSarah Marsh
A crowdfunding page set up by the Manchester Evening News has raised more than £360,000 since being set up and the total continues to rise. By 11.15am, more than 1,700 supporters had donated £28,000, and by about midday the figure hit £50,000.A crowdfunding page set up by the Manchester Evening News has raised more than £360,000 since being set up and the total continues to rise. By 11.15am, more than 1,700 supporters had donated £28,000, and by about midday the figure hit £50,000.
One person who donated left a message that read: “My heart is with you all. I am deeply saddened by the recent events. I pray you are all OK and for those that have sadly passed away I pray you are safe in heaven.”One person who donated left a message that read: “My heart is with you all. I am deeply saddened by the recent events. I pray you are all OK and for those that have sadly passed away I pray you are safe in heaven.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.53pm BSTat 4.53pm BST
4.43pm BST4.43pm BST
16:4316:43
This is what Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said about the Manchester attack at a news conference.This is what Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, said about the Manchester attack at a news conference.
The whole House of Representatives extends its condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers are especially with those who are still searching for their children.The whole House of Representatives extends its condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers are especially with those who are still searching for their children.
I don’t know – maybe it’s because I am a father of teenagers, but that is the part that keeps me coming back to this. I mean, think about the kids who had this date on their calendar circled. Think about the kids who got their parents to agree to take them to the concert. Or maybe it was a birthday present, or maybe it was a surprise.I don’t know – maybe it’s because I am a father of teenagers, but that is the part that keeps me coming back to this. I mean, think about the kids who had this date on their calendar circled. Think about the kids who got their parents to agree to take them to the concert. Or maybe it was a birthday present, or maybe it was a surprise.
Or think about the kids who went to the concert with their friends on the agreement that they would get together and meet their parents outside right after it. Those are the kinds of conversations that go on in families with teenagers. And then all those moms and dads waiting outside when disaster struck – think about that for a second. Many rushing in, hoping to God and fearing the worst.Or think about the kids who went to the concert with their friends on the agreement that they would get together and meet their parents outside right after it. Those are the kinds of conversations that go on in families with teenagers. And then all those moms and dads waiting outside when disaster struck – think about that for a second. Many rushing in, hoping to God and fearing the worst.
To deliberately target innocent children is cowardice in its most heinous form. So we should not be surprised that Isis has claimed responsibility for this attack. But we will never bow or bend to radical Islamic terror.To deliberately target innocent children is cowardice in its most heinous form. So we should not be surprised that Isis has claimed responsibility for this attack. But we will never bow or bend to radical Islamic terror.
In Manchester, we have seen hotels taking in survivors. We have seen local residents offering beds to those who are stranded. We have seen taxi cabs driving back and forth through the night, offering free rides to bring people to safety. And as we speak, people on social media are reaching out to connect families with their loved ones.In Manchester, we have seen hotels taking in survivors. We have seen local residents offering beds to those who are stranded. We have seen taxi cabs driving back and forth through the night, offering free rides to bring people to safety. And as we speak, people on social media are reaching out to connect families with their loved ones.
Terror is a threat that we all face together – and with our might, and with our humanity too. In that spirit, I want to express solidarity of the whole House of Representatives to prime minister May and her government. We stand ready to help in any way we can. Because freedom, compassion, and peace will always prevail over violence and hate.Terror is a threat that we all face together – and with our might, and with our humanity too. In that spirit, I want to express solidarity of the whole House of Representatives to prime minister May and her government. We stand ready to help in any way we can. Because freedom, compassion, and peace will always prevail over violence and hate.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.47pm BSTat 4.47pm BST
4.32pm BST
16:32
Downing Street has held a special lobby briefing this afternoon to update journalists on what the government has been doing in relation to the Manchester attack. The prime minister’s spokesman did not have anything new to say about the police investigation, and most of the points that emerged were process-related.
May has spoken on the phone today with the American president Donald Trump, the French president Emmanuel Macron, the Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and the Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. All expressed their support for Britain following the attack. Further calls with world leaders are expected later today.
She spoke to Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, at 4am to discuss the suspension of the election campaign.
She was informed about the attack shortly after it happened. She was in Downing Street at the time, and was alerted by officials.
She still plans to attend the Nato and G7 summits later this week. At the G7 summit May is due to lead a discussion on counter-terrorism, something planned before last night’s attack.
She visited the incident room when she went to Greater Manchester police HQ earlier today to thank staff. She also met the chief constable, Ian Hopkins, the Greater Manchester fire chief Peter O’Reilly, the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and the council leader Richard Leese.
She will chair another Cobra meeting in Downing Street later today.
The spokesman refused to say whether the suicide bomber was linked to Islamic extremism, or whether he was known to the authorities. The spokesman said the police were still working on confirming the man’s identity.
Updated
at 4.42pm BST
4.19pm BST
16:19
Frances Perraudin
Residents in Elsmore Road, where police carried out a controlled explosion and raided a home, saw armed police conducting the operation.
Tina Ward, 32, says she came out of her home at about midday to see about 30 armed police flooding into the front garden of a neighbouring property.
She says the raided house is home to a big Asian family with sons. “They seem to be quiet,” she says. “I’ve been in my house 10 years and they’ve been there longer than me.”
Farazans Kosur lives on Thelwall Avenue, around the corner from the raided house. She says she knew the family in the house, though not very well.
She said the family had sons in their 20s and a younger son and daughter. The older sons would wear religious dress and attend a mosque. The mother was a “very nice woman” and taught Kosur’s friend’s daughter to read the Qur’an.
“It’s terrible,” she says. “I hate the bombing and everybody is scared … It’s a nice area. We’ve had no problems.”
Updated
at 4.29pm BST
4.11pm BST
16:11
The exams regulator Ofqual has announced that pupils affected by the Manchester bombing may qualify for “special consideration” for sitting this summer’s GCSEs, A-levels and other exams.Earlier, Ofqual said it was up to headteachers whether they wanted to postpone exams. In an update it said there were no plans to cancel exams, but pupils affected by the attack would be treated fairly. It said:
“We have met with exam boards today to discuss our collective response to the tragic events in Manchester last night.
“We know some students from schools and colleges sitting GCSEs, AS and A-levels, as well as other vocational and technical qualifications, are likely to have been affected. Today’s exams have gone ahead as planned and there are no plans to cancel or postpone others.
“We recognise that the impact of these events may not be just short term. We will continue to work closely with exam boards over coming days to gauge the impact on individual schools and colleges, and to make sure that special consideration options are considered and applied appropriately and fairly if students have been affected.”
Updated
at 4.16pm BST
4.06pm BST
16:06
Richard Adams
Anne Longfield, the children’s commissioner for England, has urged adults to “find a way to tell our children what has happened”. She said:
“It is difficult to comprehend the brutality of the bombing in Manchester which specifically targeted the most vulnerable group in our society – children and young people. This horrific and cowardly attack was aimed at an audience for a pop star with a huge young following, a fact that could not have been overlooked by whoever planned such an atrocity.
“This senseless and barbaric act has robbed a group of children (one as young as eight) and teenagers with their lives ahead of them, of their hopes and dreams. For those killed these will never be realised, for those injured they may be irreparably altered.
“Today, as adults, we must find a way to tell our children what has happened. To find the courage to help them understand and give them the reassurance and love they need to deal with such terrible news.”
Updated
at 4.19pm BST
4.04pm BST
16:04
Nadia Khomami
James Corden paid tribute to Manchester on CBS’s the Late Late Show on Monday night.
“It’s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things,” the visibly shaken host of the US chat show said.
“Great football teams, Man City. Man United. Incredible music, Oasis and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the suffragettes, it’s the home of the inventor of the first computer. It’s a place full of comedy and curries and character.
“But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there, and I’m telling you a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard-pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at its core and, if it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight, all of the staff at the MEN Arena, all of the security teams, all of the emergency teams, Ariana and her team and all of those families affected by tonight.”
Updated
at 4.31pm BST
4.02pm BST
16:02
Sarah Marsh
Royal Manchester children’s hospital has shared photographs of boxes of food that have been donated by the public and local businesses for NHS staff and families affected. They included crisps, popcorn, drinks and pastries. The hospital tweeted to say: “We are overwhelmed by gifts … Thank you.”
Just some of the generous donations to our staff from local business & public. #thankyou #rmchfamily pic.twitter.com/Lth8JxgHAS
Updated
at 4.24pm BST
3.54pm BST
15:54
Injured had metal bolts in their bodies
Relatives of a woman missing in the attack told South West News that victims were left with metal bolts embedded in their bodies.
Paul Dryhurst’s niece, Kelly Brewster, 32, is feared to have been killed when she visited the arena with her sister, Claire Booth, and Booth’s daughter, Hollie, 11.
All three were caught in the blast and Booth, 34, and Hollie were today being treated in hospital for horrific shrapnel wounds.
Speaking from his home in Sheffield, Dryhurst said Booth and Hollie were having bolts surgically removed from their bodies.
Dryhurst, a 59-year-old lorry driver, said: “Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage.
“The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her and Kelly behind her. When the bomb has gone off the impact has broken Claire’s jaw and broken Hollie’s legs. They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.”
He said his niece, Kelly, was still missing. Dryhurst said “After the impact Claire had gone to Hollie, but when she looked up she couldn’t find Kelly. They lost her in all the commotion.
Paul added: “We’ve now not heard anything for so long and holding on to the old saying ‘no news is good news’, but the longer it goes on, the worse it feels.”
Sheffield woman Kelly Brewster missing after Manchester attack: https://t.co/1oafCmwDjo pic.twitter.com/xAvR0wr8TC
Updated
at 4.03pm BST
3.39pm BST
15:39
Jamie Grierson
Theresa May, has arrived at Manchester’s children’s hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary to meet victims of the attack and staff.
May arrived in a black Jaguar and was escorted into the hospital entrance by royal and specialist protection officers from the Metropolitan police.
The prime minister is expected to talk to patients and staff in a visit not expected to last longer than 30 minutes.
Twelve children under 16 are being treated at the children’s hospital and nine adults are being treated at the MRI.
The prime minister, Theresa May, arrives at Manchester children's hospital, where she is to visit victims of the arena bomb attack. pic.twitter.com/vYuVM6YMPx
Updated
at 3.59pm BST
3.34pm BST
15:34
The former prime minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah have tweeted this.
A heartbreaking time of sadness, grief and tears for so many young lives lost and injured in Manchester. Thoughts with all the families.
3.31pm BST
15:31
Julian Borger
The US director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has just returned from London, where he said he had spent a lot of time with intelligence colleagues discussing security threats to the UK and US.
“It once again reminds us. This threat is real. It is not going away and needs significant attention to do everything we can do to protect our people,” Coats told a congressional committee.
On Islamic State involvement in the Manchester bombing, Coats said the US intelligence community “have not verified, yet, the connection”.
Updated
at 3.35pm BST