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Manchester attack: police give details of men arrested as search for accomplices continues – live Manchester attack: police give details of men arrested as search for accomplices continues – live
(35 minutes later)
1.03pm BST
13:03
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the US takes full responsibility for the leak of details about the investigation into the Manchester attack, Reuters reports.
Speaking in London after meeting his UK counterpart Boris Johnson, Tillerson said the “special relationship’” between the two countries will “certainly withstand these leaks”.
He added that “hearts are broken” in US after the Manchester attack.
StateDept : Secretary Tillerson is welcomed by #UK Foreign Secretary BorisJohnson at his residence in London this … https://t.co/LYiyvbNu9Q
At the Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday, Theresa May confronted Donald Trump over the leaks, saying shared intelligence “should be kept secure”.
12.29pm BST12.29pm BST
12:2912:29
Threat level remains at criticalThreat level remains at critical
Home Secretary Amber Rudd says the terrorist threat level will remain at critical, and the public can expect to see troops at major events this weekend. In a statement she said: The home secretary, Amber Rudd, says the terrorist threat level will remain at critical, and the public can expect to see troops at major events this weekend. In a statement she said:
“I have just chaired Cobra to get an update on the atrocious incident on Monday night. Twenty two people have died and 66 people are still in hospital.“I have just chaired Cobra to get an update on the atrocious incident on Monday night. Twenty two people have died and 66 people are still in hospital.
“Meanwhile the investigation continues, eight people are now in custody, it is a live operation and that will continue. In the meantime I would like to take the opportunity to thank the police for the really good work they are doing.“Meanwhile the investigation continues, eight people are now in custody, it is a live operation and that will continue. In the meantime I would like to take the opportunity to thank the police for the really good work they are doing.
“JTAC have assessed the level of threat should remain at critical while the operation continues. The military are continuing to support the police under Operation Temperer- a 1,000 members of the military are assisting in that - and I want to thank them as well for the great work they are doing.“JTAC have assessed the level of threat should remain at critical while the operation continues. The military are continuing to support the police under Operation Temperer- a 1,000 members of the military are assisting in that - and I want to thank them as well for the great work they are doing.
“Over this weekend normal events will take place. The police have been engaging with organisers of events to ensure they get all the support at those events that people want to have and they may see some additional military presence.“Over this weekend normal events will take place. The police have been engaging with organisers of events to ensure they get all the support at those events that people want to have and they may see some additional military presence.
“But I hope they will take comfort from that and they will feel more secure. We must not let this terrible terrorist incident impact on our lives. Let’s carry on this weekend, this Bank Holiday weekend, with our families and friends.” “But I hope they will take comfort from that and they will feel more secure. We must not let this terrible terrorist incident impact on our lives. Let’s carry on this weekend, this bank holiday weekend, with our families and friends.”
Updated
at 12.55pm BST
12.22pm BST12.22pm BST
12:2212:22
Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
Mohammed El-Haduri, who runs the St Helens pizza shop that was raided by police on Friday, claimed his friend Aimen Elwafi panicked when he saw the news and realised he had rented a property to Salman Abedi.Mohammed El-Haduri, who runs the St Helens pizza shop that was raided by police on Friday, claimed his friend Aimen Elwafi panicked when he saw the news and realised he had rented a property to Salman Abedi.
El-Haduri claims Elwafi handed himself into the police. “He made the connection straight away. He was shocked and panicked when he saw the news,” El-Haduri said of his 38-year-old friend who is currently in custody.El-Haduri claims Elwafi handed himself into the police. “He made the connection straight away. He was shocked and panicked when he saw the news,” El-Haduri said of his 38-year-old friend who is currently in custody.
He added: “I’ve known Aimen since 2005 and he’s a very educated person. He cameto this country and he couldn’t say yes or no in English, and in one year his English is perfect ... he went to college and did a masters and he’s a solicitor.”He added: “I’ve known Aimen since 2005 and he’s a very educated person. He cameto this country and he couldn’t say yes or no in English, and in one year his English is perfect ... he went to college and did a masters and he’s a solicitor.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.25pm BST at 12.44pm BST
12.18pm BST12.18pm BST
12:1812:18
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Police have escorted two more men from a property in Moss Side where three others had been led away this morning.Police have escorted two more men from a property in Moss Side where three others had been led away this morning.
After three men were seen leaving with police earlier on Friday, the property was left without a police presence in the form of officers or marked vehicles.After three men were seen leaving with police earlier on Friday, the property was left without a police presence in the form of officers or marked vehicles.
After the first police entry, one of the men still present welcomed the Guardian into the property. The other was sleeping under a rug in an empty ground floor room. Upstairs there were two bare bedrooms with limited furniture.After the first police entry, one of the men still present welcomed the Guardian into the property. The other was sleeping under a rug in an empty ground floor room. Upstairs there were two bare bedrooms with limited furniture.
One of the tenants, who said he was from Kuwait, spoke limited English. He indicated that he did not know why the property had been searched but pointed to where officers had searched the attic.One of the tenants, who said he was from Kuwait, spoke limited English. He indicated that he did not know why the property had been searched but pointed to where officers had searched the attic.
After the Guardian left the premises, armed police returned and urged people to move away from the property to the end of the cul de sac. They drove the two men away in a van. A police guard was then placed on the front door of the house.After the Guardian left the premises, armed police returned and urged people to move away from the property to the end of the cul de sac. They drove the two men away in a van. A police guard was then placed on the front door of the house.
I can confirm two men have been led from the house in Moss Side and taken away in a marked police van. pic.twitter.com/2IchKy0T5OI can confirm two men have been led from the house in Moss Side and taken away in a marked police van. pic.twitter.com/2IchKy0T5O
There were two men in the Dorset Avenue property when I was in there this morning. One was sleeping under a rug in an empty back room. pic.twitter.com/H9gWuuZbgUThere were two men in the Dorset Avenue property when I was in there this morning. One was sleeping under a rug in an empty back room. pic.twitter.com/H9gWuuZbgU
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.30pm BSTat 12.30pm BST
11.57am BST11.57am BST
11:5711:57
Manchester police has confirmed it is searching another address in Moss Side after raiding a barbershop in the area.Manchester police has confirmed it is searching another address in Moss Side after raiding a barbershop in the area.
Latest update pic.twitter.com/Blka4Cu90oLatest update pic.twitter.com/Blka4Cu90o
11.37am BST11.37am BST
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Man in custody 'rented property' to AbediMan in custody 'rented property' to Abedi
Frances PerraudinFrances Perraudin
Mohammed El-Haduri, who runs the St Helens pizza shop that was raided by policethis morning, has claimed that a friend who rented a property to Salman Abedi is one of the 10 people in custody after the Manchester Arena attack.Mohammed El-Haduri, who runs the St Helens pizza shop that was raided by policethis morning, has claimed that a friend who rented a property to Salman Abedi is one of the 10 people in custody after the Manchester Arena attack.
El-Haduri said his friend Aimen Elwafi, 38, who helped him run Lorenzo Pizza in St Helens, found curtain fabric cut into squares, a strip of metal, and the fire alarms disabled when he re-entered the flat in Blackley, north-west Manchester.El-Haduri said his friend Aimen Elwafi, 38, who helped him run Lorenzo Pizza in St Helens, found curtain fabric cut into squares, a strip of metal, and the fire alarms disabled when he re-entered the flat in Blackley, north-west Manchester.
Manchester police said on Friday morning that a 38-year-old man was arrested in Blackley on Thursday.Manchester police said on Friday morning that a 38-year-old man was arrested in Blackley on Thursday.
El-Haduri claimed Elwafi handed himself in to police to help with enquiries on Wednesday night when he saw the bomber’s photo on TV. He said Abedi had rented the flat after responding to his advert on Gumtree. The flat was rented for around six weeks for about £700, he said.El-Haduri claimed Elwafi handed himself in to police to help with enquiries on Wednesday night when he saw the bomber’s photo on TV. He said Abedi had rented the flat after responding to his advert on Gumtree. The flat was rented for around six weeks for about £700, he said.
The flat was raided by police on Wednesday night and Elwafi is currently in custody.The flat was raided by police on Wednesday night and Elwafi is currently in custody.
El-Haduri, who is originally from Libya, says his friend knew something odd had gone on in the flat, and thought maybe Abedi had been smoking drugs, but it never occurred to him that he could be making a bomb. “We thought maybe they’d had parties in the flat, and were maybe drinking alcohol,” he says.El-Haduri, who is originally from Libya, says his friend knew something odd had gone on in the flat, and thought maybe Abedi had been smoking drugs, but it never occurred to him that he could be making a bomb. “We thought maybe they’d had parties in the flat, and were maybe drinking alcohol,” he says.
Abedi left the flat in a hurry after about six weeks around March, telling Elwafi he needed to get a flight to Libya and leaving many of his belongings behind. Elwafi found a sleeping bag and shoes, which suggested there had been other people staying in the flat. El-Haduri said Abedi’s younger brother had been with him in the flat.Abedi left the flat in a hurry after about six weeks around March, telling Elwafi he needed to get a flight to Libya and leaving many of his belongings behind. Elwafi found a sleeping bag and shoes, which suggested there had been other people staying in the flat. El-Haduri said Abedi’s younger brother had been with him in the flat.
El-Haduri has been looking after his friend’s seven-year-old son since he went into custody and had sought advice from a lawyer on his behalf.El-Haduri has been looking after his friend’s seven-year-old son since he went into custody and had sought advice from a lawyer on his behalf.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.19pm BSTat 12.19pm BST
11.20am BST11.20am BST
11:2011:20
Louise Bolotin, a journalist who lives in Granby House, describes Wednesday’s raid on a property that remains cordoned off.Louise Bolotin, a journalist who lives in Granby House, describes Wednesday’s raid on a property that remains cordoned off.
When the fire alarm went off in the block of flats I live in on Wednesday, I grabbed my phone and jacket and ran down six flights of stairs to get out of the building. I assumed that when I exited the front door, I would see firefighters. Instead I saw a burly police officer in full tactical raid gear – helmet, face mask and submachine gun – and it took me a few seconds to understand what I was seeing.When the fire alarm went off in the block of flats I live in on Wednesday, I grabbed my phone and jacket and ran down six flights of stairs to get out of the building. I assumed that when I exited the front door, I would see firefighters. Instead I saw a burly police officer in full tactical raid gear – helmet, face mask and submachine gun – and it took me a few seconds to understand what I was seeing.
I live in Granby House, the site of a major armed police raid where they executed a warrant to search a flat as part of the rolling investigation into the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. I was the first resident out of the building and also the first journalist on the scene. Once over my shock, I began taking photos and reporting on Twitter.I live in Granby House, the site of a major armed police raid where they executed a warrant to search a flat as part of the rolling investigation into the Manchester Arena terrorist attack. I was the first resident out of the building and also the first journalist on the scene. Once over my shock, I began taking photos and reporting on Twitter.
It was surreal. Part of my brain was in work mode – I was observing everything going on around me, making notes and being methodical. The other part of my brain was flooded with adrenaline and I was scared. It soon became clear that the fire alarm had been triggered at the very moment the police blew the door off the flat they were searching.It was surreal. Part of my brain was in work mode – I was observing everything going on around me, making notes and being methodical. The other part of my brain was flooded with adrenaline and I was scared. It soon became clear that the fire alarm had been triggered at the very moment the police blew the door off the flat they were searching.
Processing the knowledge that the bomb-maker had hired the flat through Airbnb as a safe house to build his deadly device and Salman Abedi had been in the flat at 7pm last Monday to collect it before heading to Manchester Arena was almost impossible.Processing the knowledge that the bomb-maker had hired the flat through Airbnb as a safe house to build his deadly device and Salman Abedi had been in the flat at 7pm last Monday to collect it before heading to Manchester Arena was almost impossible.
As the world’s media descended and began thrusting microphones into my face, as well as wanting the details of what was unfolding I was asked repeatedly how I felt and I didn’t know. How can anyone know what to feel in such bizarre and unusual circumstances?As the world’s media descended and began thrusting microphones into my face, as well as wanting the details of what was unfolding I was asked repeatedly how I felt and I didn’t know. How can anyone know what to feel in such bizarre and unusual circumstances?
Later, much later, when my partner arrived with wine and hugs I was emotionally exhausted. I think you’re supposed to cry at this point. There is supposed to be catharsis. I’d felt catharsis the evening before at the moving vigil outside Manchester’s Gothic town hall, in the company of 10,000 other Mancunians. But my eyes remained resolutely dry.Later, much later, when my partner arrived with wine and hugs I was emotionally exhausted. I think you’re supposed to cry at this point. There is supposed to be catharsis. I’d felt catharsis the evening before at the moving vigil outside Manchester’s Gothic town hall, in the company of 10,000 other Mancunians. But my eyes remained resolutely dry.
At 2am, too wired to sleep, I rang the Samaritans and howled like a baby at last. Talking to a detached stranger enabled me to let go in a way that chatting to my neighbours, friends and partner couldn’t.At 2am, too wired to sleep, I rang the Samaritans and howled like a baby at last. Talking to a detached stranger enabled me to let go in a way that chatting to my neighbours, friends and partner couldn’t.
As I write, the Tactical Aid Unit officers are still inside Granby House searching for evidence. Granby House was originally an Edwardian packing warehouse for a catalogue company that is still based in the city. Derelict in the 80s, it was used as a semi-legal nightclub during the Madchester rave scene. In 1990 it was one of the very first abandoned warehouses to be converted into apartments at the start of Manchester’s renaissance.As I write, the Tactical Aid Unit officers are still inside Granby House searching for evidence. Granby House was originally an Edwardian packing warehouse for a catalogue company that is still based in the city. Derelict in the 80s, it was used as a semi-legal nightclub during the Madchester rave scene. In 1990 it was one of the very first abandoned warehouses to be converted into apartments at the start of Manchester’s renaissance.
Today, it will forever be notorious for being the place where terrorists holed up before their deadly killing spree. We residents desperately want life to return to normal. It is likely to be months or even years before that happens.Today, it will forever be notorious for being the place where terrorists holed up before their deadly killing spree. We residents desperately want life to return to normal. It is likely to be months or even years before that happens.
More police, army at Granby Row, fire brigade also just pulled up #Manchester pic.twitter.com/G8NG7lEIXAMore police, army at Granby Row, fire brigade also just pulled up #Manchester pic.twitter.com/G8NG7lEIXA
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23am BSTat 11.23am BST
11.10am BST11.10am BST
11:1011:10
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is about to give a speech in which he will draw a link between British foreign policy and terror attacks. You can follow it here on our politics live blog.The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is about to give a speech in which he will draw a link between British foreign policy and terror attacks. You can follow it here on our politics live blog.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.15am BSTat 11.15am BST
11.07am BST11.07am BST
11:0711:07
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
The search still continues at Granby House in Manchester city centre, where Salman Abedi is thought to have spent the final hours before the attack.The search still continues at Granby House in Manchester city centre, where Salman Abedi is thought to have spent the final hours before the attack.
As well as working in the third floor flat, which looks out on the main rail line, officers in forensic suits have been searching through large bins in the building’s basement.As well as working in the third floor flat, which looks out on the main rail line, officers in forensic suits have been searching through large bins in the building’s basement.
The flat was let out by its owners on a short term basis. One resident, Louise Bolotin, said a neighbour who lived on the third floor had reported seeing a man of Middle Eastern or North African appearance coming and going from the flat in the days before the raid.The flat was let out by its owners on a short term basis. One resident, Louise Bolotin, said a neighbour who lived on the third floor had reported seeing a man of Middle Eastern or North African appearance coming and going from the flat in the days before the raid.
Bolotin said: “This man tried to kick his dogs. He has chihuahuas that can bark a bit. We don’t know who the man was – whether it was Abedi or an associate.”Bolotin said: “This man tried to kick his dogs. He has chihuahuas that can bark a bit. We don’t know who the man was – whether it was Abedi or an associate.”
The flat was raided on Wednesday. Bolotin said: “It’s scary to think that there may have been a bomb here. If it had gone off accidentally it would have brought half the building down.”The flat was raided on Wednesday. Bolotin said: “It’s scary to think that there may have been a bomb here. If it had gone off accidentally it would have brought half the building down.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.14am BSTat 11.14am BST
11.05am BST11.05am BST
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While the new raid in Moss Side continues, the cordon around the nearby Barbershop has just been lifted, according to PA.While the new raid in Moss Side continues, the cordon around the nearby Barbershop has just been lifted, according to PA.
The front door where a shutter was cut apart is set to be boarded up. Police recovered items including a laptop from the barbershop raid, Sky News reports.The front door where a shutter was cut apart is set to be boarded up. Police recovered items including a laptop from the barbershop raid, Sky News reports.
In Manchester city centre a cordon remains around Granby House on Granby Row where the bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have spent time in the hours before the attack.In Manchester city centre a cordon remains around Granby House on Granby Row where the bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have spent time in the hours before the attack.
Cordon still in place at Granby House, Manchester, where Abedi is believed to have spent final hours before attack. pic.twitter.com/1JukY5r0nnCordon still in place at Granby House, Manchester, where Abedi is believed to have spent final hours before attack. pic.twitter.com/1JukY5r0nn
And in St Helens, Merseyside, police investigating the bomb attack have raided a pizza shop (see earlier).And in St Helens, Merseyside, police investigating the bomb attack have raided a pizza shop (see earlier).
10.53am BST10.53am BST
10:5310:53
Here’s confirmation of the ages of those arrested so far.Here’s confirmation of the ages of those arrested so far.
Latest update pic.twitter.com/cQ7F69tVRXLatest update pic.twitter.com/cQ7F69tVRX
It is the first full breakdown of the arrests made in the investigation to establish whether there was a network behind Salman Abedi’s suicide attack.It is the first full breakdown of the arrests made in the investigation to establish whether there was a network behind Salman Abedi’s suicide attack.
In total, 10 individuals were detained between Tuesday and Friday. All were held “on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act”.In total, 10 individuals were detained between Tuesday and Friday. All were held “on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act”.
A 16-year-old boy arrested in Withington on Thursday and a 34-year-old woman arrested in Blackley on Wednesday have been released without charge.A 16-year-old boy arrested in Withington on Thursday and a 34-year-old woman arrested in Blackley on Wednesday have been released without charge.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.55am BSTat 10.55am BST
10.48am BST10.48am BST
10:4810:48
Before police returned to the address in Moss Side, resident Anita Santinelli describes the first raid, when she saw two men being taken away in two vans.Before police returned to the address in Moss Side, resident Anita Santinelli describes the first raid, when she saw two men being taken away in two vans.
Anita Santinelli, 21, student, describes arrest overnight in Moss Side - saw men being taken away. pic.twitter.com/1XtkmJzpYRAnita Santinelli, 21, student, describes arrest overnight in Moss Side - saw men being taken away. pic.twitter.com/1XtkmJzpYR
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.51am BSTat 10.51am BST
10.44am BST10.44am BST
10:4410:44
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Police are re-raiding a property just entered by the Guardian after officers left earlier taking away three men.Police are re-raiding a property just entered by the Guardian after officers left earlier taking away three men.
Here's the officers knocking on the door and being let into the property - there are two men inside. pic.twitter.com/40PBXOAgbPHere's the officers knocking on the door and being let into the property - there are two men inside. pic.twitter.com/40PBXOAgbP
Police officers are blocking access to the street, plain-clothed officers are entering the property. pic.twitter.com/6i2xeuFKiRPolice officers are blocking access to the street, plain-clothed officers are entering the property. pic.twitter.com/6i2xeuFKiR
More residents on a street in Moss Side, south Manchester, have talked at their shock of being woken up by armed police in balaclavas in the early hours, writes Helen Pidd.More residents on a street in Moss Side, south Manchester, have talked at their shock of being woken up by armed police in balaclavas in the early hours, writes Helen Pidd.
A woman who lives a few doors down from the raided terrace property said: “It was police in balaclavas, at least 20 of them, maybe even 30, they had machine guns. I’ve never seen as much action ever. It was like being in a bloody film. I thought we’d had enough from gangs around here. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Lots of police. People shouting. We did stay up because I kept expecting a controlled explosion but we didn’t hear one.”A woman who lives a few doors down from the raided terrace property said: “It was police in balaclavas, at least 20 of them, maybe even 30, they had machine guns. I’ve never seen as much action ever. It was like being in a bloody film. I thought we’d had enough from gangs around here. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Lots of police. People shouting. We did stay up because I kept expecting a controlled explosion but we didn’t hear one.”
Twenty-eight people are listed as living in the two-up, two-down house that was searched by police.Twenty-eight people are listed as living in the two-up, two-down house that was searched by police.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.53am BSTat 10.53am BST
10.32am BST10.32am BST
10:3210:32
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Police have just returned to a Moss Side property it raided this morning after making at least one arrest.Police have just returned to a Moss Side property it raided this morning after making at least one arrest.
Police have just returned to the Moss Side property that I have just been in. Officers have just told me to get back. pic.twitter.com/wMZ07kKrF4Police have just returned to the Moss Side property that I have just been in. Officers have just told me to get back. pic.twitter.com/wMZ07kKrF4