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Manchester attack: police say arrests 'significant' and items seized 'very important' - latest Manchester attack leaks reprehensible, says US acting ambassador - latest
(35 minutes later)
2.13pm BST
14:13
Last victim to be named
Sandra Laville
The last of the 22 victims has been named as 15-year-old Megan Hurley, from Halewood in Liverpool.
Megan is one six girls killed in the attack. Her brother was seriously injured.
Megan, a pupil at Halewood Academy, was remembered in a church service this week. Helen McDermott, who lives in the area, has set up a Just Giving page for her family which has raised more than £6,000.
She said: “People locally thought it would be a good idea to try and help her family, there has been a lot of sympathy and support throughout the community for them. We are overwhelmed by how much has been donated.”
She said the family had been contacted to let them know the fundraising was going on. Megan’s parents, who run a shop in Halewood, are understood to be at their son’s bedside as he recovers from the blast.
The identities of all of the 22 people known to have been killed in the blast have now been named. They are:
Megan Hurley, 15
Courtney Boyle, 19
Philip Tron, 32
Elaine McIlver
Liam Curry, 19
Wendy Fawel, 50
Eilidh MacLeod, 14,
Michelle Kiss, 45
Olivia Campbell, 15
Martyn Hett, 29
Kelly Brewster, 32
Saffie Rose Roussos, eight
Georgina Callander, 18
John Atkinson, 28
Alison Howe, 45
Lisa Lees, 47
Angelika Klis, 40
Marcin Klis, 42
Nell Jones, 14
Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14
Chloe Rutherford, 17
2.03pm BST
14:03
In the wake of the Manchester attack, Aaron Zelin a research fellow at the Washington Institute, an influential rightwing foreign affairs thinktank in the US, calls on the west to refocus its battle against Islamic State on Libya.
He writes:
Leading up to the Manchester operation, IS [Isis] in Libya began showing signs that it had larger aspirations for attacks inside Europe. According to German officials, Tunisian terrorist Anis Amri, who conducted the December truck attack against a Berlin Christmas market, had been in contact with IS operatives in Libya via the messaging application Telegram prior to the incident, suggesting it was partially remote-controlled, though not fully directed from there. This discovery spurred a mid-January US airstrike against two camps belonging to an IS planning cell south of Sirte, which American officials believed had been set up recently to direct attacks in Europe. Yet the Manchester attack suggests that the group’s external operations capacity in Libya might not be fully degraded.
Therefore, while most of the focus has been on eliminating key IS external operations personnel in Syria over the past two years, a similar approach should now be taken against the smaller but potentially dangerous cadre in Libya. Beyond protecting Europe, US and EU officials should also ensure that their allies in east and West Africa are prepared to handle returnees from Libya. Moreover, if the Manchester attack is definitively tied to IS cells in Libya, it would show that the group can still be a lethal actor even without holding territory there – an important point to consider when planning for life after the fall of the group’s “capitals” in Iraq and Syria.
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13:52
Sandra Laville
Fundraising pages set up for the families of those killed in the Manchester attack have raised more than £2.3m in an outpouring of compassion for victims, JustGiving has said.
1.51pm BST
13:51
Downing Street has put out video of those comments by Theresa May in which she pledges to take up the issue of shared intelligence with Donald Trump. Intelligence must remain secure, she said.
The Prime Minister has made a statement following the latest COBR meeting on the terrorist attack in Manchester. pic.twitter.com/kY4pID6ffG
1.48pm BST
13:48
Haroon Siddique
Here is a video of the Queen’s visit to Royal Manchester children’s hospital, where 12 children under 16 were taken after the attack. She described the bombing as “very wicked”.
1.44pm BST
13:44
Investigation leaks 'reprehensible' - acting ambassador
Haroon Siddique
Lew Lukens, the chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in London and also the acting ambassador, has unequivocally condemned the leaks regarding the investigation into Monday’s attack that have come from the US.
He told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One:
These leaks were reprehensible, they are distressing, we unequivocally condemn them, we agree 100% with the chief constable and the United Kingdom [in their condemnation of them].
Lukens said US authorities are investigating the source of the leaks and are determined to stop them. He called it a “tragedy” that the issue was diverting people’s attention.
When asked whether it would affect the relationship between US and British intelligence agencies, Lukens replied: “I hope not.”
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13:1913:19
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
A source from Didsbury mosque has said it has passed on threats against it to the police. The source said one person had called for the mosque to be burned down. Outside a “peace line” of a few local people has formed. They are there to show solidarity with the mosque and keep reporters at bay, although few journalists are there today.A source from Didsbury mosque has said it has passed on threats against it to the police. The source said one person had called for the mosque to be burned down. Outside a “peace line” of a few local people has formed. They are there to show solidarity with the mosque and keep reporters at bay, although few journalists are there today.
Peace chain at Didsbury mosque pic.twitter.com/KSY4MVC0coPeace chain at Didsbury mosque pic.twitter.com/KSY4MVC0co
1.16pm BST1.16pm BST
13:1613:16
Here’s a summary of how things currently stand in the wake of the attack.Here’s a summary of how things currently stand in the wake of the attack.
Police hunting the network behind Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi have made “significant” arrests and said officers had seized “very important” items in raids, Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has revealed. Eight men are in custody, including two who were arrested early this morning.Police hunting the network behind Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi have made “significant” arrests and said officers had seized “very important” items in raids, Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has revealed. Eight men are in custody, including two who were arrested early this morning.
Greater Manchester police decided to stop sharing evidence from its investigation with the United States after a series of leaks left investigators furious. Hopkins said the leaks had caused “much distress” to the families of the victims.Greater Manchester police decided to stop sharing evidence from its investigation with the United States after a series of leaks left investigators furious. Hopkins said the leaks had caused “much distress” to the families of the victims.
Theresa May said she will tell Donald Trump that intelligence shared with the US “must remain secure” when she meets him at the Nato summit in Brussels. She also said the threat level “will remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant”. Trump refused to answer questions about the leaks when he arrived in Brussels.Theresa May said she will tell Donald Trump that intelligence shared with the US “must remain secure” when she meets him at the Nato summit in Brussels. She also said the threat level “will remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant”. Trump refused to answer questions about the leaks when he arrived in Brussels.
Abedi flew to 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 centre of Frankfurt.Abedi flew to 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 centre of Frankfurt.
The bomb detonated by Abedi used the same explosives as those in the Paris and Brussels attacks, a US Republican politician has said, pointing to a possible link to the same terrorist network. The chair of the House homeland security committee, Mike McCaul, said the bomb suggested a “level of sophistication” that implied its maker or makers may have had foreign training.The bomb detonated by Abedi used the same explosives as those in the Paris and Brussels attacks, a US Republican politician has said, pointing to a possible link to the same terrorist network. The chair of the House homeland security committee, Mike McCaul, said the bomb suggested a “level of sophistication” that implied its maker or makers may have had foreign training.
Hundreds gathered in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square at 11am as the UK observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack. Flags on government buildings will remain at half-mast until the evening.Hundreds gathered in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square at 11am as the UK observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack. Flags on government buildings will remain at half-mast until the evening.
Health officials said 116 people had been treated in hospital as a result of the bombing. Some of those caught up in the blast had “life-changing injuries”.Health officials said 116 people had been treated in hospital as a result of the bombing. Some of those caught up in the blast had “life-changing injuries”.
The identities of 21 of the 22 victims have now been named. They are: Courtney Boyle, 19; Philip Tron, 32; Elaine McIlver; Liam Curry, 19; Wendy Fawel, 50; Eilidh MacLeod, 14; Michelle Kiss, 45; Olivia Campbell, 15; Martyn Hett, 29; Kelly Brewster, 32; Saffie Rose Roussos, eight; Georgina Callander, 18; John Atkinson, 28; Alison Howe, 45; Lisa Lees, 47; Angelika Klis, 40; Marcin Klis, 42; Nell Jones, 14; Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51; Sorrell Leczkowski, 14; Chloe Rutherford, 17.The identities of 21 of the 22 victims have now been named. They are: Courtney Boyle, 19; Philip Tron, 32; Elaine McIlver; Liam Curry, 19; Wendy Fawel, 50; Eilidh MacLeod, 14; Michelle Kiss, 45; Olivia Campbell, 15; Martyn Hett, 29; Kelly Brewster, 32; Saffie Rose Roussos, eight; Georgina Callander, 18; John Atkinson, 28; Alison Howe, 45; Lisa Lees, 47; Angelika Klis, 40; Marcin Klis, 42; Nell Jones, 14; Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51; Sorrell Leczkowski, 14; Chloe Rutherford, 17.
A suspect package found in Hulme, south-west Manchester, was deemed safe after bomb disposal experts were sent to a college in the area. The operation was “not necessarily related” to the attack, Hopkins said.A suspect package found in Hulme, south-west Manchester, was deemed safe after bomb disposal experts were sent to a college in the area. The operation was “not necessarily related” to the attack, Hopkins said.
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Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs that Western Isles council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has sent expert counselling staff to Barra to help the Hebridean island’s children and the 1,000-strong community deal with the death of Eilidh MacLeod, 14, and the severe injuries suffered by her friend Laura MacIntyre, 15, in the Manchester bombing.Nicola Sturgeon has told MSPs that Western Isles council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has sent expert counselling staff to Barra to help the Hebridean island’s children and the 1,000-strong community deal with the death of Eilidh MacLeod, 14, and the severe injuries suffered by her friend Laura MacIntyre, 15, in the Manchester bombing.
Castlebay community school has 150 pupils aged from five to 18, all from Barra, the second most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides.Castlebay community school has 150 pupils aged from five to 18, all from Barra, the second most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides.
The council’s director of education, Bernard Chisholm, an educational psychologist, had been on Barra for a scheduled visit after the bombing took place and his stay there has been extended. The council has also sent a second educational psychologist and a clinical psychologist to help.The council’s director of education, Bernard Chisholm, an educational psychologist, had been on Barra for a scheduled visit after the bombing took place and his stay there has been extended. The council has also sent a second educational psychologist and a clinical psychologist to help.
Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Labour leader, told first minister’s questions at Holyrood such deaths were keenly felt in a small island community, and asked what extra resources were being offered to the council. “Barra is one of the most beautiful and peaceful of places, and that peace has been shattered by the actions of Salman Abedi,” Dugdale said.Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Labour leader, told first minister’s questions at Holyrood such deaths were keenly felt in a small island community, and asked what extra resources were being offered to the council. “Barra is one of the most beautiful and peaceful of places, and that peace has been shattered by the actions of Salman Abedi,” Dugdale said.
Sturgeon said government officials had asked the council if further help was needed. They and the council should ensure help was there in coming months. “They need to keep things as normal as possible for the school that the girls attended, but to make sure that there’s support in place for the young people who need it,” she told the chamber.Sturgeon said government officials had asked the council if further help was needed. They and the council should ensure help was there in coming months. “They need to keep things as normal as possible for the school that the girls attended, but to make sure that there’s support in place for the young people who need it,” she told the chamber.
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As Donald Trump arrived in Brussels for the Nato summit he did not respond to a shouted question about whether Britain can trust the US with intelligence following a series of US leaks about the attack, AP reports.As Donald Trump arrived in Brussels for the Nato summit he did not respond to a shouted question about whether Britain can trust the US with intelligence following a series of US leaks about the attack, AP reports.
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Denis CampbellDenis Campbell
Some of those caught up in the blast have “life-changing injuries” and will need medical and family help “for a long time”, a senior NHS leader in Manchester has said.Some of those caught up in the blast have “life-changing injuries” and will need medical and family help “for a long time”, a senior NHS leader in Manchester has said.
Jon Rouse, chief officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, which brings together the region’s NHS bodies and local councils, said: “There are still a number of individuals receiving treatment and care, as would be expected following an attack like this. Some of this care is critical care, meaning patients require intensive and constant support and monitoring. We are also providing support to families during this difficult time.Jon Rouse, chief officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, which brings together the region’s NHS bodies and local councils, said: “There are still a number of individuals receiving treatment and care, as would be expected following an attack like this. Some of this care is critical care, meaning patients require intensive and constant support and monitoring. We are also providing support to families during this difficult time.
“The NHS and care organisations together with partners across the voluntary sector will be providing care and support for individuals in the weeks, months and years to come. Some individuals will now have life-changing injuries which will require the support of the NHS and partners for a long time.”“The NHS and care organisations together with partners across the voluntary sector will be providing care and support for individuals in the weeks, months and years to come. Some individuals will now have life-changing injuries which will require the support of the NHS and partners for a long time.”
He paid tribute to all the emergency services in Greater Manchester for the “dedication and commitment” they have shown in the face of Monday’s attack.He paid tribute to all the emergency services in Greater Manchester for the “dedication and commitment” they have shown in the face of Monday’s attack.
Help is available for those who may be struggling psychologically as a result of the bombing, Rouse added. “Manchester has a wonderful community spirit which we have drawn on in these past dark days. We realise that there will be members of our community deeply affected by what has happened. The partnership has therefore issued guidance on how to access mental health support on its website and I’d encourage people to read and share this.”Help is available for those who may be struggling psychologically as a result of the bombing, Rouse added. “Manchester has a wonderful community spirit which we have drawn on in these past dark days. We realise that there will be members of our community deeply affected by what has happened. The partnership has therefore issued guidance on how to access mental health support on its website and I’d encourage people to read and share this.”
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Hopkins said he didn’t want to add to a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Police Network about the sharing of information with the US. It said:Hopkins said he didn’t want to add to a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Police Network about the sharing of information with the US. It said:
“We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world. These relationships enable us to collaborate and share privileged and sensitive information that allows us to defeat terrorism and protect the public at home and abroad.“We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world. These relationships enable us to collaborate and share privileged and sensitive information that allows us to defeat terrorism and protect the public at home and abroad.
“When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter terrorism investigation.”“When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter terrorism investigation.”
Theresa 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.Theresa 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.
Vikram Dodd provides more context to police concerns about the leaks.Vikram Dodd provides more context to police concerns about the leaks.
In the minutes after the Manchester attack, information was being shared almost instantly by British investigators with their US counterparts. Very soon, in the first hours after the attack, it was being leaked.In the minutes after the Manchester attack, information was being shared almost instantly by British investigators with their US counterparts. Very soon, in the first hours after the attack, it was being leaked.
Within two hours of the attack, which happened around 10.30pm UK time, the US network NBC was reporting that a suicide bomber was suspected, with the information coming from a leak.Within two hours of the attack, which happened around 10.30pm UK time, the US network NBC was reporting that a suicide bomber was suspected, with the information coming from a leak.
By Tuesday morning London time, US-based CBS was reporting the bomber’s name, and again all the leaks were suspected of coming from information passed by Britain to US counterparts.By Tuesday morning London time, US-based CBS was reporting the bomber’s name, and again all the leaks were suspected of coming from information passed by Britain to US counterparts.
A special communication channel exists between the UK and US for the rapid transmission of secret material to help both countries’ law enforcement and intelligence efforts, the Guardian understands.A special communication channel exists between the UK and US for the rapid transmission of secret material to help both countries’ law enforcement and intelligence efforts, the Guardian understands.
The US has a history of passing classified material sent in confidence by the UK to American media. One senior source told of a past major investigation where pictures transmitted via the secret network, and marked as secret, was being leaked to US media barely an hour later.The US has a history of passing classified material sent in confidence by the UK to American media. One senior source told of a past major investigation where pictures transmitted via the secret network, and marked as secret, was being leaked to US media barely an hour later.
In 2005, pictures of devices recovered as part of the investigation into the terrorist attack on London’s transport network, sent to the US, were leaked to an American TV network.The attitudes to openness are different in both jurisdictions, with the US being more open.In 2005, pictures of devices recovered as part of the investigation into the terrorist attack on London’s transport network, sent to the US, were leaked to an American TV network.The attitudes to openness are different in both jurisdictions, with the US being more open.
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Here’s the full statement from Hopkins: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.As this morning’s incident in Hulme shows, it remains important for people to continue to be vigilant.
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'Significant' arrests and 'very important' items found'Significant' arrests and 'very important' items found
Hopkins did not take questions.Hopkins did not take questions.
These are key points:These are key points:
Arrests made by police hunting the network behind the Manchester Arena bombing are “significant”.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.Some of the items seized in raids are “very important” to the investigation.
The leak of photographs of bomb has caused understandable distress.The leak of photographs of bomb has caused understandable distress.
The Hulme alert is not necessarily related to the bomb attack.The Hulme alert is not necessarily related to the bomb attack.
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Hopkins says the leak of images of bomb parts had caused distress to the families of the victims.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.It is important that people remain vigilant.
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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.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.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.The arrests are significant, Hopkins says. The raids have revealed items important to the investigation, he says.
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The arrest in Hulme was not related to the attack, police have confirmed. “It was not a terrorism arrest,” a spokesman said.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."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."