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Manchester attack: police chief pays tribute to officer Elaine McIver - latest Manchester attack: police chief pays tribute to officer Elaine McIver - latest
(35 minutes later)
4.22pm BST
16:22
The Charity Commission has urged people wishing to support the victims of the Manchester attack to donate to a genuine charitable appeal.
The Charity Commission, Greater Manchester Police, the British Red Cross, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester are pointing people towards the We love Manchester appeal, launched by the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charitable Appeal Trust and other registered charities.
The Manchester Evening News, which launched the We Stand Together appeal, has joined forces with the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, the Commission said.
It said it was taking the “unusual step of recommending people to give to a specific charitable appeal” in light of concerns about fraud.
David Holdsworth, registrar of charities for England & Wales and chief operating officer at the Charity Commission, said:
Sadly, during such periods of especially generous giving, there are a small minority of those who seek to exploit that goodwill for fraudulent, selfish purposes. That is why we are encouraging people who wish to donate to give to the We love Manchester fund, launched by the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charitable Appeal Trust, to ensure that these funds reach those affected by the appalling attack in Manchester.
4.16pm BST
16:16
Alexandra Topping
The husband of a woman who was struck by the blast that claimed 22 victims in Manchester on Monday said her mobile phone may have saved her life.
Lisa Bridgett, 45, was speaking into her iPhone after the Ariana Grande concert when the explosion sent a steel nut in the direction of her head.
Bridgett, who manages a boatyard in Pwllheli, North Wales, had her finger chopped off by the nut, and her husband Steve, 45, said she was “very lucky to be alive”.
Her husband, Steve, said he believed the smashed phone had slowed down the nut, and diverted its trajectory. Bridgett, who was at the concert with her daughter and her daughter’s friend, had surgery on Tuesday and was due to have another operation after suffering multiple injuries, including a fractured ankle and a large wound on her thigh.
Her husband said:
The fact that she was on the phone at the time probably saved her life.
The nut has hit her phone which has more than likely not only diverted it, but also slowed it down considerably.
Bridgett suffered multiple injuries as a result of the blast, including a fractured ankle and a large wound on her thigh. Her husband said:
This may seem a bit graphic but at the end of the day it’s a reality. She will make a full recovery although I don’t think the finger will grow back.
He thanked the emergency services for all their help in the aftermath of the attack and the days that followed.
All of us want to thank the police for their incredible work after the incident and all the staff at both the MRI [Manchester Royal Infirmary] and Wythenshawe for all the work they have done and are doing.
But one hero was singled out for special praise - the Manchester Arena steward who had helped his wife to exit the scene.
In particular, [I want to thank] Peter the steward at the Manchester Arena for helping Lisa outside and getting her to safety.
4.13pm BST
16:13
Turkish security officials say they have no record of the Manchester bomber, Salman Abedi, entering Syria, Reuters reports.
It quotes an official as saying:
There is flight traffic before his arrival to Europe. He travels first to Europe, then to a third country and then to Istanbul and back to Europe.
He said the “third country” was not Syria.
He has not spent any time in Turkey (and) he has not had an entry or exit from Syria during his travels, there is no such information in his records.
Of course, that does not preclude Abedi having gone to Syria illegally, as many do, although there is no evidence of that. The French interior minister previously said that Abedi “probably” travelled to Syria before rowing back from the assertion.
German authorities confirmed today that he flew to Düsseldorf four days before the arena attack.
4.04pm BST
16:04
Wayne Rooney has announced a donation of £100,000 “to provide support and practical help for victims and their families” through his charity, the Wayne Rooney Foundation.
The charity is also setting up a donations line for other people to pledge money.
The Manchester United and England star said:
As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically. My heart goes out all those affected. Please give whatever you can.
Separately, Manchester United and Manchester City announced earlier that they had combined to donate £1m to the We Love Manchester emergency fund.
Manchester City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said:
The hope of both our clubs is that our donation will go some small way to alleviate the daunting challenges faced by those directly affected and that our acting together will serve as a symbol to the world of the unbreakable strength of the spirit of Manchester.
Echoing his sentiments, Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, said:
The barbarism of Monday evening’s attack has shocked everyone. Our clubs are right at the heart of our local communities in Manchester and it is right that we present a unified response to this tragedy.
City and United combine to donate £1 million to We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. #ACityUnited https://t.co/dPWdZVfzND
Updated
at 4.08pm BST
3.48pm BST3.48pm BST
15:4815:48
Trump says:Trump says:
Terrorism must be stopped in its tracks or the horror you saw in Manchester and so many places will be repeated forever ...We must be tough, we must be strong and we must be vigilant. Terrorism must be stopped in its tracks or the horror you saw in Manchester and so many places will be repeated forever … We must be tough, we must be strong and we must be vigilant.
He has said Nato must focus on “terrorism and immigration”, clearly linking the two issues. Salman Abedi was born in Manchester to Libyan parents. He said Nato must focus on “terrorism and immigration”, clearly linking the two issues. Salman Abedi was born in Manchester to Libyan parents.
Trumps says 23 of the 28 Nato members are not paying what they should be.Trumps says 23 of the 28 Nato members are not paying what they should be.
That is not fair to the taxpayers of the United States.That is not fair to the taxpayers of the United States.
The US president says that some countries still owe money from previous years.The US president says that some countries still owe money from previous years.
Nato members must confront the “barbaric evil” in the world together, says Trump.Nato members must confront the “barbaric evil” in the world together, says Trump.
He concludes:He concludes:
We will never waver in our determination to defeat terrorism.We will never waver in our determination to defeat terrorism.
Before he started speaking, Trump called for a one minute silence for the victims of the Manchester attack. Before he started speaking, Trump called for a one-minute silence for the victims of the Manchester attack.
Updated
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3.41pm BST3.41pm BST
15:4115:41
Trump is speaking in Brussels now. He calls the attack in Manchester “barbaric and vicious”. He once again calls the perpetrators as “losers”. Trump is speaking in Brussels now. He calls the attack in Manchester “barbaric and vicious”. He once again calls the perpetrators “losers”.
He calls for them to be driven out of our communities.He calls for them to be driven out of our communities.
Updated
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3.39pm BST
15:39
Trump is speaking in Brussels now. He has asked for everyone to observe a minute’s silence.
Updated
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3.36pm BST3.36pm BST
15:3615:36
Trump says leaks 'deeply troubling'Trump says leaks 'deeply troubling'
The US president, Donald Trump, has said the leaks of sensitive information from the Manchester investigation are “deeply troubling” and pose a “grave threat” to US national security. He said:The US president, Donald Trump, has said the leaks of sensitive information from the Manchester investigation are “deeply troubling” and pose a “grave threat” to US national security. He said:
There is no relationship we cherish more than the special relationship between the United Staes and the United Kingdom. There is no relationship we cherish more than the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
He said he has asked the US department of justice and other agencies to launch a complete investigation, vowing: “My administration will get to the bottom of this.” He said he has asked the US Department of Justice and other agencies to launch a complete investigation, vowing: “My administration will get to the bottom of this.”
Updated
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3.20pm BST3.20pm BST
15:2015:20
Theresa May has said she will be telling Nato allies that the Manchester attack underlines the need for the alliance to do more in the fight against terrorism.Theresa May has said she will be telling Nato allies that the Manchester attack underlines the need for the alliance to do more in the fight against terrorism.
Arriving in Brussels for a summit with other Nato leaders, she said:Arriving in Brussels for a summit with other Nato leaders, she said:
That attack, I think, shows why it is important for the international community including Nato to do more in our fight against terrorism and that is what I am going to be pushing for today.That attack, I think, shows why it is important for the international community including Nato to do more in our fight against terrorism and that is what I am going to be pushing for today.
I am also going to be pushing the UK’s agenda on burden-sharing and we are proud, as the UK, that we meet the target of spending 2% of our GDP on defence and 20% of our defence budget on equipment.I am also going to be pushing the UK’s agenda on burden-sharing and we are proud, as the UK, that we meet the target of spending 2% of our GDP on defence and 20% of our defence budget on equipment.
And other nations must be prepared to take responsibility and that includes more investment in defence.And other nations must be prepared to take responsibility and that includes more investment in defence.
May also had more to say on the leaks by US intelligence agencies:May also had more to say on the leaks by US intelligence agencies:
On the issue of the intelligence-sharing with the USA, we have a special relationship with the USA, it is our deepest defence and security partnership that we have.On the issue of the intelligence-sharing with the USA, we have a special relationship with the USA, it is our deepest defence and security partnership that we have.
Of course, that partnership is built on trust. And part of that trust is knowing that intelligence can be shared confidently and I will be making clear to President Trump today that intelligence that is shared between law enforcement agencies must be shared securely.Of course, that partnership is built on trust. And part of that trust is knowing that intelligence can be shared confidently and I will be making clear to President Trump today that intelligence that is shared between law enforcement agencies must be shared securely.
UpdatedUpdated
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3.19pm BST3.19pm BST
15:1915:19
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Prof Bob Pearson, director of Central Manchester University hospitals, has said 18 adults and 14 children remain in the two hospitals run by his trust. Five children and five adults remain in critical care.Prof Bob Pearson, director of Central Manchester University hospitals, has said 18 adults and 14 children remain in the two hospitals run by his trust. Five children and five adults remain in critical care.
He said the medics were dealing with “complex blast injuries” and some patients would need reconstructive surgery.He said the medics were dealing with “complex blast injuries” and some patients would need reconstructive surgery.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.51pm BSTat 3.51pm BST
2.49pm BST
14:49
NYT defends decision to publish crime scene photographs
The New York Times has defended its decision to publish crime scene photographs of the Manchester bombing.
Images, suspected to have been sent to the paper by US police officials, caused outrage when they surfaced on Wednesday and led to a spat between the country and British authorities. The New York Times said in a statement:
The images and information presented were neither graphic nor disrespectful of victims, and consistent with the common line of reporting on weapons used in horrific crimes.
“We have strict guidelines on how and in what ways we cover sensitive stories. Our coverage of Monday’s horrific attack has been both comprehensive and responsible.
Among the material released were images of the bomb’s detonator, the attacker’s tattered backpack and remnants of the blast’s shrapnel.
The leak of the photographs came after the home secretary, Amber Rudd, publicly rebuked US authorities for unauthorised leaks.
Following the publication of the New York Times’s story, Greater Manchester police temporarily severed information-sharing ties with their American counterparts.
A furious response from counter-terror chiefs was also issued after the story was released, saying such releases “undermine our investigations”.
Manchester’s chief constable, Ian Hopkins, said the photographs had “caused much distress for families that are already suffering terribly with their loss”.
Updated
at 3.21pm BST
2.36pm BST
14:36
The Cheshire chief constable, Simon Byrne, has paid tribute to Elaine McIver, a 43-year-old detective constable with the force, who was killed in the blast while off duty. He said:
It is with a heavy heart that I have to speak about the loss of a serving officer of ours in the Manchester Arena terrorist incident and all our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Detective Constable Elaine McIver, 43, joined the constabulary as a special 20 years ago and became a regular officer in September 1998.
Elaine worked in Ellesmere Port, Warrington and in the economic crime unit at headquarters in Winsford before moving to the regional organised crime unit Titan in 2013.
Friends who knew her well have described her as big hearted, bubbly and a positive person. We are supporting her family at this very difficult time, and will be providing support for friends and colleagues from the constabulary as we come to terms with the loss of an officer in such tragic and heart-rending circumstances. We will not let evil win.
Updated
at 3.24pm BST
2.21pm BST
14:21
Armed police on trains
Armed police officers are patrolling on board trains nationwide for the first time, British Transport Police have announced.
The move is aimed to “disrupt and deter criminal activity” on the rail network after the UK terror threat level rose to critical in the wake of the attack.
Armed officers have been patrolling on the London Underground network since December, but this is the first time they will travel on trains outside the capital.
The force urged passengers not to be alarmed by their presence.
The BTP chief constable, Paul Crowther, said: “Since the devastating events in Manchester on Monday evening, our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide. By having firearms officers on board trains we’re ensuring that trains remain as safe as possible for passengers.”
He added: “It is important to note that we do not have any specific intelligence in relation to train services but are taking this action to ensure we can protect and reassure the public.”
Updated
at 2.23pm BST
2.13pm BST
14:13
Last victim 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 of seven 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 JustGiving 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.
All 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 McIver, 43
Liam Curry, 19
Wendy Fawell, 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
Updated
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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.
Updated
at 3.03pm BST
1.52pm BST
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 the 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
Updated
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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”.
Updated
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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.”
Updated
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1.19pm BST
13:19
Steven 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.
Peace chain at Didsbury mosque pic.twitter.com/KSY4MVC0co