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Manchester attack: Hulme bomb scare over as suspicious package deemed safe – latest Manchester attack: police say arrests 'significant' and items seized 'very important' - latest
(35 minutes later)
12.26pm BST
12:26
Here’s the full statement from Hopkins:
This continues to be a fast-moving investigation and there has been a significant amount of activity taking place throughout the night and this morning. I want to provide you with an update about the progress of the investigation to date.
You will all be aware that officers are currently responding to an incident in Hulme. A suspicious package has now been deemed safe and the cordon has now been removed. Can I stress at this stage that this incident is not necessarily linked to the wider investigation but I hope people will understand that we will always take any reports seriously.
As regards the full ongoing investigation, we currently have eight people who have been arrested in connection with Monday’s attack. They are all men. A woman who was arrested yesterday has since been released. The arrests have taken place in Manchester, Wigan and Nuneaton. We are now carrying out associated searches at a number of addresses.
These have been an intense three days for the officers and staff of Greater Manchester police, along with the national counter-terrorist policing network and UK intelligence services.
I want to reassure people that the arrests that we have made are significant, and initial searches of premises have revealed items that we believe are very important to the investigation.
These searches will take several days to complete, as you would expect, therefore there will be some disruption. However, it is important that we continue with these searches.
Alongside the investigation we have a team of specially trained officers who have been supporting the families of those who tragically lost their lives.
Last night the family liaison officers shared with them the fact that intelligence had been leaked and published in the New York Times. It is absolutely understandable that this has caused much distress for families that are already suffering terribly with their loss. A statement was issued by the national counter-terrorism police network last night. I do not wish to add anything further to this and I will not be commenting on information sharing arrangements with our international partners.
It will take some days before formal identification can take place but we are assisting the families who want to provide a tribute to their loved ones. To be clear this is not formal identification and is part of our efforts to support the families. I know how important it is to them that the media are supporting the tributes to their loved ones.
We have been overwhelmed by the support from members of the public and I would ask for their patience while the investigation continues.
As this morning’s incident in Hulme shows, it remains important for people to continue to be vigilant.
Updated
at 12.30pm BST
12.18pm BST
12:18
'Significant' arrests and 'very important' items found
Hopkins did not take questions.
These are key points:
Arrests made by police hunting the network behind the Manchester Arena bombing are “significant”.
Some of the items seized in raids are “very important” to the investigation.
The leak of photographs of bomb has caused understandable distress.
The Hulme alert is not necessarily related to the bomb attack.
Updated
at 12.21pm BST
12.10pm BST
12:10
Hopkins says the leak of images of bomb parts had caused distress to the families of the victims.
It is important that people remain vigilant.
Updated
at 12.13pm BST
12.08pm BST
12:08
Greater Manchester police’s chief constable, Ian Hopkins, is making a statement. He said the investigation remains fast-moving. He said the operation in Hulme was “not necessarily” related to the attack.
Hopkins confirms eight people remain in custody. A woman has been released.
The arrests are significant, Hopkins says. The raids have revealed items important to the investigation, he says.
Updated
at 12.10pm BST
12.06pm BST
12:06
The arrest in Hulme was not related to the attack, police have confirmed. “It was not a terrorism arrest,” a spokesman said.
GMP says it has arrested one man in Hulme this morning. Arrest not directly related to Monday's attack: "It was not a terrorism arrest."
11.59am BST
11:59
Manchester’s two rival Premier League football clubs have joined together to pledge £1m towards the fundraising effort for victims of the suicide bomb attack.
Manchester United and Manchester City will donate the sum to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
Set up by the Manchester Evening News, the site has raised more than £1.2m since it was created on Tuesday.
The money raised will be administered by British Red Cross and go to the victims’ families.
The lord mayor of Manchester, Eddy Newman, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously supported the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“The money raised through your donations will make a real difference to those who have been affected by this horrific attack.
“The magnificent support received so far shows just how strongly the world stands united with the city of Manchester at this difficult time.”
Updated
at 12.03pm BST
11.51am BST11.51am BST
11:5111:51
116 injured116 injured
Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
The NHS has just released updated casualty figures which show that double the number of people first reported were injured and have been treated, many of whom are still in hospital.The NHS has just released updated casualty figures which show that double the number of people first reported were injured and have been treated, many of whom are still in hospital.
In all 116 people have been treated in hospital as a result of the bombing. Of those, 75 have been admitted to eight different hospitals across Greater Manchester and of those 23 are in critical care.In all 116 people have been treated in hospital as a result of the bombing. Of those, 75 have been admitted to eight different hospitals across Greater Manchester and of those 23 are in critical care.
The Manchester Royal Infirmary has the largest number of admitted patients -- 19 -- five of whom are being treated in critical care. The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, on the same site as the MRI on the city’s south side, has 14 inpatients from the attack, five of whom are in critical care. Salford Royal has 12, six of whom are in critical care and Wythenshawe Hospital is caring for nine of the injured, five of whom are in critical care. The Manchester Royal Infirmary has the largest number of admitted patients – 19 – five of whom are being treated in critical care. The Royal Manchester children’s hospital, on the same site as the MRI on the city’s south side, has 14 inpatients from the attack, five of whom are in critical care. Salford Royal has 12, six of whom are in critical care and Wythenshawe hospital is caring for nine of the injured, five of whom are in critical care.
In a brief update NHS England stressed that it is “important to note [that] 23 people in critical care is not the same as 23 critically ill patients”.In a brief update NHS England stressed that it is “important to note [that] 23 people in critical care is not the same as 23 critically ill patients”.
The other hospitals which are treating casualties are: Royal Oldham Hospital (six, none in critical care); North Manchester General Hospital (six, one in critical care); Royal Bolton Hospital (six, one in critical care); and Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport (three, none in critical care). The other hospitals which are treating casualties are: Royal Oldham hospital (six, none in critical care); North Manchester general hospital (six, one in critical care); Royal Bolton hospital (six, one in critical care); and Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport (three, none in critical care).
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Tameside General Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital have discharged all their patients, NHS England added. Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Tameside general hospital and Fairfield general hospital have discharged all their patients, NHS England added.
Updated
at 12.09pm BST
11.49am BST11.49am BST
11:4911:49
Two more victims namedTwo more victims named
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
The family of 19-year-old Courtney Boyle and her stepfather Philip Tron have confirmed they were killed in Monday’s terrorist attack, with her boyfriend calling her an “adventurer, a precious & joyous soul”.The family of 19-year-old Courtney Boyle and her stepfather Philip Tron have confirmed they were killed in Monday’s terrorist attack, with her boyfriend calling her an “adventurer, a precious & joyous soul”.
Courtney’s mum, Deborah, said her “stunning, beautiful daughter” was her rock. “You made me so proud with all you had achieved.” About her partner, she said: “My gorgeous crazy Philip you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky.”Courtney’s mum, Deborah, said her “stunning, beautiful daughter” was her rock. “You made me so proud with all you had achieved.” About her partner, she said: “My gorgeous crazy Philip you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky.”
In a statement Courtney’s dad said he would miss his “baby girl” for the rest of his life. “I will never forget you and I will love you forever. Grandad Bob misses you loads also. Daddy.”In a statement Courtney’s dad said he would miss his “baby girl” for the rest of his life. “I will never forget you and I will love you forever. Grandad Bob misses you loads also. Daddy.”
The young woman’s sister said Courtney was her “wonder of a sister who is now a shining yellow star in the sky”. Of her stepdad, she said:The young woman’s sister said Courtney was her “wonder of a sister who is now a shining yellow star in the sky”. Of her stepdad, she said:
“Phil, my stepdad, my costa buddy, you were always there no matter what to keep me safe and make me happy.”“Phil, my stepdad, my costa buddy, you were always there no matter what to keep me safe and make me happy.”
Courtney’s boyfriend said she was “an adventurer, a precious & joyous soul”.Courtney’s boyfriend said she was “an adventurer, a precious & joyous soul”.
He said: “She made people feel loved and feel safe. She was a soulmate, a friend, a daughter and a sister. No one had what that lass had, she was like no other. And she was on a path to fulfilment, and was happy when she passed. Nobody has ever made me as happy as her and I’m the person I am today because of her.”He said: “She made people feel loved and feel safe. She was a soulmate, a friend, a daughter and a sister. No one had what that lass had, she was like no other. And she was on a path to fulfilment, and was happy when she passed. Nobody has ever made me as happy as her and I’m the person I am today because of her.”
Philip’s mum thanked the emergency services, police, nurses, support staff family and friends for their support during the “harrowing time”.Philip’s mum thanked the emergency services, police, nurses, support staff family and friends for their support during the “harrowing time”.
“Our most amazing son, partner, brother, father, uncle, nephew and cousin, Philip Tron, sadly passed away on the 22nd May 2017. Philip was such a fun-loving, energetic soul, he would light up the darkest room and lift your spirits with his infectious laugh, witty sense of humour and his beautiful smile.“Our most amazing son, partner, brother, father, uncle, nephew and cousin, Philip Tron, sadly passed away on the 22nd May 2017. Philip was such a fun-loving, energetic soul, he would light up the darkest room and lift your spirits with his infectious laugh, witty sense of humour and his beautiful smile.
“Words cannot express the huge void his passing has left in all our lives.”“Words cannot express the huge void his passing has left in all our lives.”
The identities of 21 of the 22 victims have now been named.The identities of 21 of the 22 victims have now been named.
Courtney Boyle, 19Courtney Boyle, 19
Philip Tron, 32Philip Tron, 32
Elaine McIlverElaine McIlver
Liam Curry, 19Liam Curry, 19
Wendy Fawel, 50Wendy Fawel, 50
Eilidh MacLeod, 14,Eilidh MacLeod, 14,
Michelle Kiss, 45Michelle Kiss, 45
Olivia Campbell, 15Olivia Campbell, 15
Martyn Hett, 29Martyn Hett, 29
Kelly Brewster, 32Kelly Brewster, 32
Saffie Rose Roussos, eightSaffie Rose Roussos, eight
Georgina Callander, 18Georgina Callander, 18
John Atkinson, 28John Atkinson, 28
Alison Howe, 45Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47Lisa Lees, 47
Angelika Klis, 40Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42Marcin Klis, 42
Nell Jones, 14Nell Jones, 14
Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14Sorrell Leczkowski, 14
Chloe Rutherford, 17Chloe Rutherford, 17
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.56am BST at 12.02pm BST
11.41am BST11.41am BST
11:4111:41
Josh HallidayJosh Halliday
That was quite a special moment at the end of the minute’s silence in St Ann’s Square in Manchester, writes Josh Halliday.That was quite a special moment at the end of the minute’s silence in St Ann’s Square in Manchester, writes Josh Halliday.
It fell perfectly silent for a minute, apart from the whirring of the police helicopter above, then there was a shout of: “Rock on, Manchester,” followed by applause.It fell perfectly silent for a minute, apart from the whirring of the police helicopter above, then there was a shout of: “Rock on, Manchester,” followed by applause.
Then, out of the silence, a woman clutching a bouquet of flowers began singing the opening verse to Oasis’s Don’t Look Back in Anger.Then, out of the silence, a woman clutching a bouquet of flowers began singing the opening verse to Oasis’s Don’t Look Back in Anger.
The crowd of hundreds quickly joined in – it was utterly spine-tingling, and I don’t use that word lightly.The crowd of hundreds quickly joined in – it was utterly spine-tingling, and I don’t use that word lightly.
I spoke to her afterwords. She is Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, the daughter of legendary Manchester radio presenter and DJ Mike Shaft.I spoke to her afterwords. She is Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, the daughter of legendary Manchester radio presenter and DJ Mike Shaft.
Lydia, 32, said she had “really struggled” since the attack but that Manchester “will recover”.Lydia, 32, said she had “really struggled” since the attack but that Manchester “will recover”.
Asked why she chose that song, she said: “I love Manchester, and Oasis is part of my childhood. Don’t Look Back in Anger – that’s what this is about: we can’t be looking backwards to what happened, we have to look forwards to the future.Asked why she chose that song, she said: “I love Manchester, and Oasis is part of my childhood. Don’t Look Back in Anger – that’s what this is about: we can’t be looking backwards to what happened, we have to look forwards to the future.
“We all joined together and we’re all going to get on with it because that’s what Manchester does.”“We all joined together and we’re all going to get on with it because that’s what Manchester does.”
She added: “It really touched my heart and gave me shivers to hear everyone joining in with me.”She added: “It really touched my heart and gave me shivers to hear everyone joining in with me.”
Just spoke to Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, the amazing woman who started that impromptu Don't Look Back In Anger singalong in St Ann's Square pic.twitter.com/aGKuYJw65VJust spoke to Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, the amazing woman who started that impromptu Don't Look Back In Anger singalong in St Ann's Square pic.twitter.com/aGKuYJw65V
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.55am BST at 12.25pm BST
11.39am BST11.39am BST
11:3911:39
The Queen has arrived at a hospital where medics treated children caught up in the Manchester Arena suicide bomb.The Queen has arrived at a hospital where medics treated children caught up in the Manchester Arena suicide bomb.
She met some of those wounded in the attack at Royal Manchester children’s hospital.She met some of those wounded in the attack at Royal Manchester children’s hospital.
Twelve children under the age of 16 were taken to the hospital by ambulance following the terror attack.Twelve children under the age of 16 were taken to the hospital by ambulance following the terror attack.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.41am BSTat 11.41am BST
11.34am BST11.34am BST
11:3411:34
Police seize man in HulmePolice seize man in Hulme
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Police were seen taking away a man with his hands on his head following a raid in a block of flats in Hulme, witnesses said.Police were seen taking away a man with his hands on his head following a raid in a block of flats in Hulme, witnesses said.
Police initially placed a wide cordon around the flats on Linby Street as bomb disposal experts were brought in.Police initially placed a wide cordon around the flats on Linby Street as bomb disposal experts were brought in.
The cordon was reduced as police moved in, and a witness saw a man being led away.The cordon was reduced as police moved in, and a witness saw a man being led away.
The man, who asked not to be named, said: “The police came out, surrounding a man. He had his hands on his head.”The man, who asked not to be named, said: “The police came out, surrounding a man. He had his hands on his head.”
Hulme Court, where bomb disposal came to deal with a suspect package. pic.twitter.com/PFgKRN9J3XHulme Court, where bomb disposal came to deal with a suspect package. pic.twitter.com/PFgKRN9J3X
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.37am BSTat 11.37am BST
11.32am BST11.32am BST
11:3211:32
Bomb scare over in HulmeBomb scare over in Hulme
Bomb scare over in Hulme. A suspicious package has now been deemed safe.Bomb scare over in Hulme. A suspicious package has now been deemed safe.
Police confirm the cordon is in Hulme, not Trafford. Say it relates to a suspicious package, which has now been deemed safe #ManchesterPolice confirm the cordon is in Hulme, not Trafford. Say it relates to a suspicious package, which has now been deemed safe #Manchester
UPDATE - This incident has now been deemed safe and the cordon has been removed. Apologies for any confusion. pic.twitter.com/xdE9jqODeNUPDATE - This incident has now been deemed safe and the cordon has been removed. Apologies for any confusion. pic.twitter.com/xdE9jqODeN
11.27am BST11.27am BST
11:2711:27
May: threat level will remain at criticalMay: threat level will remain at critical
Theresa May has said threat level “will remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant”.Theresa May has said threat level “will remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant”.
In a new statement May confirmed that she would “make clear to President Trump that intelligence that is shared between our law enforcement agencies must remain secure”, when she meets him at the Nato summit later today.In a new statement May confirmed that she would “make clear to President Trump that intelligence that is shared between our law enforcement agencies must remain secure”, when she meets him at the Nato summit later today.
May, who is due to travel to the summit later on Thursday, said she would work with “international colleagues on defeating terrorism” at the gathering.May, who is due to travel to the summit later on Thursday, said she would work with “international colleagues on defeating terrorism” at the gathering.
She said around 1,000 members of the armed forces were still assisting the police, “providing important reassurance ahead of a bank holiday weekend of busy events”.She said around 1,000 members of the armed forces were still assisting the police, “providing important reassurance ahead of a bank holiday weekend of busy events”.
On Friday the prime minister will attend a G7 summit in Italy, where she said she would “lead a discussion on counter-terrorism and on how we will work together to prevent the plotting of terrorist attacks online and to stop the spread of hateful extremist ideology on social media”.On Friday the prime minister will attend a G7 summit in Italy, where she said she would “lead a discussion on counter-terrorism and on how we will work together to prevent the plotting of terrorist attacks online and to stop the spread of hateful extremist ideology on social media”.
She also expressed her gratitude for the “expressions of support and condolences that the UK has received from international colleagues in recent days”.She also expressed her gratitude for the “expressions of support and condolences that the UK has received from international colleagues in recent days”.
She added: “G7 and Nato will enable us to work more closely together as we work to defeat the evil of terrorism.”She added: “G7 and Nato will enable us to work more closely together as we work to defeat the evil of terrorism.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.30am BST at 12.11pm BST
11.21am BST11.21am BST
11:2111:21
The crowd in central Manchester joined a woman singing the Oasis hit Don’t Look Back in Anger after the minute’s silence.The crowd in central Manchester joined a woman singing the Oasis hit Don’t Look Back in Anger after the minute’s silence.
Goosebumps! The amazing moment Manchester crowd joins in with woman singing Oasis - Don't Look Back in Anger after minutes silence pic.twitter.com/Cw4mOq8ydeGoosebumps! The amazing moment Manchester crowd joins in with woman singing Oasis - Don't Look Back in Anger after minutes silence pic.twitter.com/Cw4mOq8yde
11.16am BST11.16am BST
11:1611:16
Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
This was the scene earlier on Linby Street.This was the scene earlier on Linby Street.
A friend has sent me these pics of Linby St from earlier. He saw a dog van and bomb disposal. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/cWunc6LcWXA friend has sent me these pics of Linby St from earlier. He saw a dog van and bomb disposal. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/cWunc6LcWX
11.15am BST
11:15
Police have sealed off a wide area south-west of Manchester city centre as bomb disposal experts are deployed to the college on Linby street.
Other end of the cordon on Chorlton Rd. Blocked off area is huge. #Manchester pic.twitter.com/U5roM09JC2
This is the edge of cordon around incident in Linby St, Hulme - bomb disposal is on site pic.twitter.com/9SQ2zwSOJd
The police helicopter is roaring overhead as police stand guard at the cordon and a bomb disposal squad arrive at the scene pic.twitter.com/yVANWMteAk
11.11am BST
11:11
The ongoing alert in Hulme marred the minute’s silence.
Hundreds gathered in St Ann's Square for the minutes silence. Only the sound of the police helicopter above. pic.twitter.com/1T8IpIlZJU
Greater Manchester police chief Ian Hopkins thanks the emergency services for their response to Manchester attacks pic.twitter.com/pocvQlpGNE
Manchester minute's silence. Primary school pupils. Teachers in tears. https://t.co/8TM7PXzr0N
Updated
at 11.11am BST
11.05am BST
11:05
Bomb disposal teams are believed to have been sent to the Castlefield Campus on Linby Street.
Its website says it is part of the Manchester Federation of EBSD Schools.
We cater for young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Castlefield campus is for pupils in years 10 and 11 from both Meade Hill and Southern Cross, located in the north and south of the city respectively. Castlefield campus is an exciting place to learn, where each person is valued and everyone is encouraged to succeed to the best of their ability.
UPDATE - We can confirm the incident is on Linby Street in Hulme.
Updated
at 11.09am BST
11.00am BST
11:00
Minute's silence
The UK is about to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the Manchester attack.
The silence will be marked at all government buildings and other organisations may follow suit.
Flags on government buildings will remain at half-mast until the evening of 25 May.
Updated
at 11.02am BST
10.58am BST
10:58
Bomb disposal experts arrive
Army bomb disposal experts have been deployed to the college in Trafford as police clear a wide area.
“Please be aware the EOD have now arrived on site,” Manchester police said in a statement.
Bomb disposal unit now on the scene in Hulme, Manchester. Police shout "take cover". pic.twitter.com/aPJ7E1GD9X
Updated
at 10.59am BST
10.53am BST
10:53
Army deployed to college in Trafford
Armed police have blocked off access to Chorlton Road in south-west Manchester after being called to college in Trafford. We don’t yet know if this is connected with the investigation into the bomb attack.
The army is being deployed a day after Manchester chief police, Ian Hopkins, said troops were not being deployed in the city.
UPDATE - The army are on their way to the college in Trafford.
Police blocking off access to Chorlton Rd. Armed police. GMP say they are responding to a call at a college in Trafford #Manchester pic.twitter.com/JedWHPwUvx
Police are responding to a call at a college in Trafford. pic.twitter.com/ih4PZiu37w
Police are hastily clearing this area. Urgent shouts of "move now". #manchester pic.twitter.com/nJV16jYQEP
Police at the cordon on Chevassut Street in Hulme. The size of the cordon is being increased all the time pic.twitter.com/eBcHQv52uD
Updated
at 10.54am BST
10.15am BST
10:15
Jamie Grierson
A woman who lives near the address raided this morning in Moss Side said she reported a suspicious car parked outside the house on the night of the attack.
The green Seat Ibiza remains outside the searched property, and was first noticed by Lorna Reilly on the morning after the attack.
Reilly, a 26-year-old mother of one, said: “I was concerned about the car because we know all the cars on the street. I phoned 101 on Tuesday as I had not seen it before. It was out of place where it’s parked. It was left in the night.”
Reilly said the “whole house shook” when the police carried out a controlled explosion to gain entry to the property.
“I ran to the front window, the armed police were stood near the car, there was also a police dog barking. The armed officers shouted ‘get back from the windows. I was terrified’.
Reilly said she thought a Middle Eastern couple in the 30s or 40s lived in the property, but she has not seen them or anyone else for three or four days. No arrests were made.
Seat Ibiza parked outside raided house in Moss Side, reported suspicious by neighbours after it appeared overnight on night of arena attack. pic.twitter.com/PkMUEA4i8k
Updated
at 10.23am BST
10.11am BST
10:11
Vikram Dodd
Greater Manchester police decided to stop sharing evidence from its investigation into the Manchester bombing with the United States after a series of leaks left investigators furious.
The ban is limited to the Manchester investigation only, with police chiefs believing the leaks are unprecedented in their scope, frequency and potential damage. They are believed to come from US officials.
The final straw was the leak to the New York Times of pictures of the device and forensic details. That triggered high-level talks in Britain.
Greater Manchester police are understood to be angry at the leak of their investigation as were senior officers running Britain’s counter-terrorism network.
Police decided to impose the ban. It is not clear if government was asked for their view or approved. Downing Street said it was not invovled.
The ban on sharing information with the US on such a major inquiry is unprecedented. More so because the atrocity has potential implications and learning for US efforts to prevent any similar attacks directed at American targets.
The ban is described as temporary, with British police examining if they can put safeguards in place to stop any further leaks.
Police said the leaks risked undermining trust between the Uk and US’s law enforcement and intelligence communities, who work very closely together.
But British police are angry that, as their officers are in pursuit of a suspected terror network, with raids deemed so risky it is being carried out by elite armed officers, sensitive information is being regularly leaked by the US.
Updated
at 10.15am BST
10.06am BST
10:06
Abedi flew to Düsseldorf last week
Kate Connolly
The Manchester suicide bomber flew to the German city of Düsseldorf, four days before the arena attack, German authorities have confirmed.
It is known that the 22-year-old travelled to Germany at least twice, including a visit to the financial city of Frankfurt.
News of his presence in Germany has raised suspicions that he may have had contact with Islamist networks there, and received logistics training from them.
Düsseldorf is in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Anis Amri, the Berlin Christmas market attacker, spent time.
Security authorities in the state have come under fire for their patchy surveillance of Amri, who was allowed to travel around Germany freely, despite authorities’ misgivings about him.
North Rhine-Westphalia is home to hundreds of people considered a security threat due to their close links to Islamist groups.
Fifty-five mosques in the state are under close observation for their suspected links to the Islamist scene.
According to the German magazine Focus, Abedi was not apprehended by German authorities when he flew in to the country, because he was not on any observation list of suspected Islamists.
Counter-terrorism experts have now opened an investigation into whether Abedi may have had contact to radical German Islamists in the area.
However, it is not known whether he spent any length of time in Düsseldorf, or whether he simply changed planes there en route from Libya to Manchester.
According to Focus, citing information from German intelligence, Abedi also flew to Frankfurt from Britain in 2015. This was before he undertook paramilitary training in Syria, according to information received by Germany’s BKA from their counterparts at Scotland Yard, Focus reports.
Updated
at 10.13am BST
9.55am BST
09:55
Alexandra Topping
At a vigil for the victims of Monday’s attack in Bury on Wednesday evening, Olivia Campbell’s mother, Charlotte, made an emotional appeal for communities to stay together.
She thanked everyone who had provided love and support since Monday evening.
Mother of 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, victim of Manchester attack, makes powerful speech at vigil in Buryhttps://t.co/0WqGIQ1l9b pic.twitter.com/FHLA2YRdym
She said:
“I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for us. For being here, for giving us your support, for sharing her everywhere. This is such a hard time for us.
“I had to come. I didn’t know what to do, I don’t know where to be. I don’t know what to do. I just knew, something told me I had to come here. I can see Olivia’s friends there.
“As a family we are united, we’re standing strong. I ask her friends, strangers, relatives, to do the same.
“Please stay together, don’t let this beat any of us, please. Don’t let my daughter be a victim.”
Updated
at 10.02am BST