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Manchester attack: police give details of men arrested as search for accomplices continues – live Manchester attack: 'Large part' of terror network has now been arrested, police say – live
(35 minutes later)
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Statement from Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley - Metropolitan Police https://t.co/oNoNSCl9KS via @mynewsdesk_uk
Mark Rowley, Scotland Yard’s counter terrorism commander has provided more detail about how the lines of inquiry that are being pursued in the Manchester bombing investigation.
He said: “we are focusing on understanding [Salman] Abedi’s life; forensically examining a number of scenes, reviewing hours of CCTV from the night itself and the hours and before, financial work, communication, digital exhibits, the accounts from hundreds of witnesses and of course enquiries internationally.”
He added that over the weekend, there will be extra officers on duty, including hundreds of armed officers. “Extra firearms officers have been out on streets because we have backfilled some static guarding posts at key places with military personnel,” Rowley said. “Their presence at these sites will continue throughout the weekend.”“My request to the public is simple - if this weekend you see something out of place, that causes you concern or raises your suspicions, tell us. If you have those suspicions now about someone - tell us - we will act on all information we are given and together we can defeat terrorism.”
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Manchester is preparing for the Great City Games in Manchester this evening, with an increased police presence.
A glorious day for the Great City Games in Manchester- the crowd is gathering and athletes warming up @MENnewsdesk #gcgm2017 pic.twitter.com/mPkQkdh9NR
But it's impossible to ignore the heavy police presence amid the City Games today @MENnewsdesk #gcgm2017 pic.twitter.com/qGwuZ48JxU
In the Evening Standard Olympic legend and former chairman of the British Olympic Association Sebastian Coe wrote that sport could play an unifying role in the wake of the attack.
I shall be in Manchester tonight to watch the CityGames and the athletes will know that their performances are much more than just a stepping stone to the world championships, personal bests or prize money. They will also instinctively know that they too will be a part of the grieving and, ultimately, healing process.
The last time I was in Manchester, we were celebrating the triumphant homecoming of our all-conquering Olympic and Paralympic teams fresh from Rio. In monsoon conditions, thousands of Mancunians took to the streets — many of them bagging prime spots hours earlier to cheer our heroes to the rafters as the floats passed through the city streets. Some of those in the British athletics team that day will be performing tonight in front of many who lorded them on that wet afternoon. This is now their chance through sport to stand united with the people of the city and be defiant in the face of evil. It won’t be the first or last time that sport steps up.
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Hundreds of balloons launched in #Sheffield to the sounds of @onedirection in memory of Kelly Brewster #manchesterattack pic.twitter.com/6M865At5SJ
In Sheffield hundreds of balloons launched to the music of One Direction in memory of Kelly Brewster, who was from the city.
Brewster was described as “one-in-a-million” who “loved life and everything in it” by friends.
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Cousins of Manchester bomber arrested, source says
Helen Pidd
Age range of those arrested in Manchester arena terror inquiry 16-38, police say. 16-year-old boy released without charge. pic.twitter.com/83XF0ArRYh
The Guardian’s North of England editor, Helen Pidd, reports that cousins of the Manchester bomber are among those who have been arrested.
The Guardian understands that three of the 10 people arrested so far are brothers. The three brothers are said to be cousins of the bomber, Salman Abedi.
Two of the brothers, Abderahman Forjani and Abdallah Forjani, run the Fade Away barbers in Moss Side that was raided on Friday morning.
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A policeman in Manchester blowing a kiss to two girls giving out free hugs. What an amazing moment to capture pic.twitter.com/teL0u48Uph
The police officer pictured blowing a kiss to a woman offering free hugs in the wake of the Manchester terror attack has thanked the public for their support, PA reports.
An armed police officer who was photographed blowing a kiss to women offering free hugs while he was on patrol in the wake of the Manchester bombing has thanked the public for their show of appreciation.
Pc Nick Downing was on duty in the city’s Albert Square when the heart-warming moment was captured in an image which has now been shared on social media.
The Durham Police officer, who was sent to Manchester on Wednesday, said: “Throughout the day the people and businesses of Manchester were extremely supportive - I can’t recall in the past 14 years such an outpouring of appreciation by the public.
“I shook so many hands and was photographed more than on my own wedding day - the Manchester public were amazing.
“I left Manchester that evening, a couple of hours after the vigil at Albert Square had finished, and made my way back to County Durham arriving home at around midnight.
“It was a long but rewarding shift.
“I am proud to have been able to support the people of Manchester, but I know if I hadn’t taken that call there are many other officers who would have done just the same.
“I would like to say that although I played a small part, there are many other officers who worked longer hours, in more challenging situations, all of whom have my utmost respect.”
The black and white photo was taken by Natalie Thornley.
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Police: 'Large part of network' behind Manchester attack arrested
#Breaking Further arrests are likely, although police believe they have "got hold of a large part of the network", Mr Rowley says.
Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer has said that a “large part of the network” alleged to have helped carry out the Manchester bombing have been arrested.
Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said expects charges to be brought against members of the network alleged to have helped the Manchester bomber.
Rowley gave an update of the progress of the investigation saying : “There will be trials”.
But he added that there may be more individuals involved who are still at large.
Rowley said police have reviewed security at more than 1,300 events across the country and urged the public to “go out as you planned and enjoy yourselves”.
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An American general appointed by Barack Obama to head up a global military coalition against Islamic State has said he would have been “embarrassed and furious” over the leak of intelligence from the United States about the Manchester suicide bomb to the US media if he was still running anti-ISIS operations, writes Henry McDonald.An American general appointed by Barack Obama to head up a global military coalition against Islamic State has said he would have been “embarrassed and furious” over the leak of intelligence from the United States about the Manchester suicide bomb to the US media if he was still running anti-ISIS operations, writes Henry McDonald.
General John Allen was Obama’s Presidential Envoy in 2014 sent to counter the initial rise of IS. The retired US Marine General who also headed up operations in Iraq’s Al Anbar province against Al Qaeda said the leaks to the New York Times undermined confidence between the US and the UK in terms of intelligence sharing. GenJohn Allen was Obama’s Presidential Envoy in 2014 sent to counter the initial rise of Isis. The retired US Marine general who also headed up operations in Iraq’s Al Anbar province against al-Qaida said the leaks to the New York Times undermined confidence between the US and the UK in terms of intelligence sharing.
Speaking to The Guardian at the Globsec 2017 international conference on terrorism and security in Bratislava today, General Allen said: Speaking to the Guardian at the Globsec 2017 international conference on terrorism and security in Bratislava today, Allen said:
I have absolute sympathy for the British point of view on this. I don’t know the specifics but I think all of us who have such affection for our friends in the UK felt immediate embarrassment over this issue.I have absolute sympathy for the British point of view on this. I don’t know the specifics but I think all of us who have such affection for our friends in the UK felt immediate embarrassment over this issue.
President Trump also immediately promised that he would run a very aggressive investigation to find out...If I was still in my position fighting ISIS I would be embarrassed and furious, and seek every possible to find how that leaked occurred.President Trump also immediately promised that he would run a very aggressive investigation to find out...If I was still in my position fighting ISIS I would be embarrassed and furious, and seek every possible to find how that leaked occurred.
Because we have a friend, one of our closest friends on the planet, that has given us sensitive information that has now been leaked. For a whole variety of reasons it has made it more difficult for British security and law enforcement officials. So we have to be seen to be trustworthy as well. We have to demonstrate that we can be trusted to protect sensitive information that the British give us.Because we have a friend, one of our closest friends on the planet, that has given us sensitive information that has now been leaked. For a whole variety of reasons it has made it more difficult for British security and law enforcement officials. So we have to be seen to be trustworthy as well. We have to demonstrate that we can be trusted to protect sensitive information that the British give us.
General Allen also issued a warning about further attacks in Europe including the UK by Islamic State inspired militants as pressure increased on the terror group on the ground in Iraq and Syria. Allen also issued a warning about further attacks in Europe including the UK by Isis inspired militants as pressure increased on the terror group on the ground in Iraq and Syria.
As the Caliphate comes under pressure, as the IS Caliphate shrinks on the ground, those who have been radicalised by them will say to themselves, ‘how can I relieve the pressure on them?’ So I do think as pressure increases and the violent shrinkage of the Caliphate’s surface area goes on then I think we should anticipate more attacks like Manchester. Whether it happens or not I don’t know but we should anticipate that possibility. As the caliphate comes under pressure, as the IS caliphate shrinks on the ground, those who have been radicalised by them will say to themselves, ‘how can I relieve the pressure on them?’ So I do think as pressure increases and the violent shrinkage of the Caliphate’s surface area goes on then I think we should anticipate more attacks like Manchester. Whether it happens or not I don’t know but we should anticipate that possibility.
The general who is now Co-Director of the Centre for 21st Century Security and Intelligence, said UK security officials and police should examine if IS has been using encrypted Apps technology to contact young militant recruits like the Manchester suicide bomber and others willing to follow him. The general, who is now co-director of the Centre for 21st Century Security and Intelligence, said UK security officials and police should examine if Isis has been using encrypted apps technology to contact young militant recruits like the Manchester suicide bomber and others willing to follow him.
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Manchester Victoria Station, which links directly to the Manchester arena where the attack happened on Monday, is still part of an ongoing police investigation and has issued a statement saying there is currently no re-opening date. Here is the statement from the station: Manchester Victoria station, which links directly to the Manchester arena where the attack happened on Monday, is still part of an ongoing police investigation and has issued a statement saying there is currently no re-opening date. Here is the statement from the station:
Due to the nature of the attack, the station has suffered structural damage that still needs to be properly assessed and repaired. Until this work is completed, the station will remain closed.Due to the nature of the attack, the station has suffered structural damage that still needs to be properly assessed and repaired. Until this work is completed, the station will remain closed.
Northern is currently unable to accurately estimate when the station will re-open. As a result man of the services that would normally run into Manchester Victoria are unable to do so. This means there is significant disruption in Manchester and the surrounding areas.Northern is currently unable to accurately estimate when the station will re-open. As a result man of the services that would normally run into Manchester Victoria are unable to do so. This means there is significant disruption in Manchester and the surrounding areas.
Please check nationalrail.co.uk or northernrailway.co.uk before travelling.Please check nationalrail.co.uk or northernrailway.co.uk before travelling.
We will do everything we can to keep our customers up to date with more information as we know more.We will do everything we can to keep our customers up to date with more information as we know more.
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Theresa May and Donald Trump repair "Special Relationship" with one-on-one talks in garden grounds at G7 summit. https://t.co/9uBytCqjWb pic.twitter.com/uSaQhAq2mVTheresa May and Donald Trump repair "Special Relationship" with one-on-one talks in garden grounds at G7 summit. https://t.co/9uBytCqjWb pic.twitter.com/uSaQhAq2mV
Theresa May and Donald Trump are set to have a one on one discussion today, away form the other leaders of the G7 summit.Theresa May and Donald Trump are set to have a one on one discussion today, away form the other leaders of the G7 summit.
The two leaders will talk about the threat posed by the terror group ISIS and how they can be fought abroad in Iraq and Syria and across the western world.The two leaders will talk about the threat posed by the terror group ISIS and how they can be fought abroad in Iraq and Syria and across the western world.
Trump and May were pictured talking together in the gardens of a cliff-top hotel overlooking the Mediterranean in Taormina, Sicily, a day after Trump criticised NATO allies for spending too little on defence. Trump and May were pictured talking together in the gardens of a cliff-top hotel overlooking the Mediterranean in Taormina, Sicily, a day after Trump criticised Nato allies for spending too little on defence.
The special relationship has been strained in recent days, with May making an unusually direct criticism of US intelligence leaks concerning the Manchester terrorist attack .The special relationship has been strained in recent days, with May making an unusually direct criticism of US intelligence leaks concerning the Manchester terrorist attack .
Syria, North Korea and the global economy are also on the agenda to be discussed at the meeting of world leaders.Syria, North Korea and the global economy are also on the agenda to be discussed at the meeting of world leaders.
Theresa May and Donald Trump will today have a one on one talk as they break away from other world leaders at the G7 summit to discuss the fight against terrorism. Updated
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Greater Manchester police have said a man was briefly detained in Stretford as part of the ongoing investigation into the Manchester arena attack has been released without charged.Greater Manchester police have said a man was briefly detained in Stretford as part of the ongoing investigation into the Manchester arena attack has been released without charged.
In a statement GMP said:In a statement GMP said:
As part of the ongoing investigation into the Manchester arena attack, police today detained a 28-year-old man in Stretford under terrorism offences. He has been released with no further action.As part of the ongoing investigation into the Manchester arena attack, police today detained a 28-year-old man in Stretford under terrorism offences. He has been released with no further action.
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Nine people injured in the attacks have left hospital in last 24 hours. The number of those still being treated in hospital is 66, including 23 in critical care, according to the BBC citing the NHS. On Thursday 75 people were still being treated.Nine people injured in the attacks have left hospital in last 24 hours. The number of those still being treated in hospital is 66, including 23 in critical care, according to the BBC citing the NHS. On Thursday 75 people were still being treated.
NHS says apart from the 22 people killed in the Manchester terror attack, 66 of the 116 injured are still in hospital, 23 in critical care.NHS says apart from the 22 people killed in the Manchester terror attack, 66 of the 116 injured are still in hospital, 23 in critical care.
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Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
A 22-year-old man remains in custody after counter-terrorism officers swooped on an address in Nuneaton thought to be connected to the Manchester attack.A 22-year-old man remains in custody after counter-terrorism officers swooped on an address in Nuneaton thought to be connected to the Manchester attack.
The man was arrested at a property in Earls Road in the Warwickshire town of Nuneaton.The man was arrested at a property in Earls Road in the Warwickshire town of Nuneaton.
The property, home to a Libyan-born man who fled the Gaddafi regime, is still being searched following an arrest in a nearby street on Wednesday night.The property, home to a Libyan-born man who fled the Gaddafi regime, is still being searched following an arrest in a nearby street on Wednesday night.
Witnesses said officers with tasers and guns arrested a man near flats in Meadow Street at 8.30pm on Wednesday, before putting plastic bags on his hands and feet and taking him away in a car.Witnesses said officers with tasers and guns arrested a man near flats in Meadow Street at 8.30pm on Wednesday, before putting plastic bags on his hands and feet and taking him away in a car.
An eight-strong police specialist search team, equipped with a ladder, and other officers were then seen entering a semi-detached home on Thursday morning. Two marked police vans were parked in the street and there was continued activity at the house throughout the day.An eight-strong police specialist search team, equipped with a ladder, and other officers were then seen entering a semi-detached home on Thursday morning. Two marked police vans were parked in the street and there was continued activity at the house throughout the day.
Neighbours said Naser Elshetwi, a father of five, lived at the address. They said earlier this year he had spoken of how he had been shot in Libya in a violent kidnap attempt. It is understood his son is Mumen Elshetwi, a student at King Edward VI college.Neighbours said Naser Elshetwi, a father of five, lived at the address. They said earlier this year he had spoken of how he had been shot in Libya in a violent kidnap attempt. It is understood his son is Mumen Elshetwi, a student at King Edward VI college.
The Coventry Telegraph reported earlier this week that the attacker, Salman Abedi, was seen in Nuneaton just weeks before concert attack.The Coventry Telegraph reported earlier this week that the attacker, Salman Abedi, was seen in Nuneaton just weeks before concert attack.
Elijah Nyamhdzadza, 40, told the paper that he bumped in to Abedi while looking for his dog in February and recognised the man behind the Manchester attack after seeing coverage in the papers.Elijah Nyamhdzadza, 40, told the paper that he bumped in to Abedi while looking for his dog in February and recognised the man behind the Manchester attack after seeing coverage in the papers.
He said: “I’d know those evil eyes anywhere. He made my blood run cold.”He said: “I’d know those evil eyes anywhere. He made my blood run cold.”
Recalling the moment he came face-to-face with Abedi he added: “I’d lost my dog in the park near my home and was asking people if they’d seen him. here were these three guys by the basketball court. I started talking to them and got chatting together. One of the guys started a conversation about religion, and the differences in our religions. They started to tell me about Islam, and we were sharing for about 40 minutes.”Recalling the moment he came face-to-face with Abedi he added: “I’d lost my dog in the park near my home and was asking people if they’d seen him. here were these three guys by the basketball court. I started talking to them and got chatting together. One of the guys started a conversation about religion, and the differences in our religions. They started to tell me about Islam, and we were sharing for about 40 minutes.”
He added: “When I saw him today I said ‘this is the man I saw!’. It looks exactly the same as him. I am 100% sure it was Abedi,” he said.He added: “When I saw him today I said ‘this is the man I saw!’. It looks exactly the same as him. I am 100% sure it was Abedi,” he said.
Libyan-born Naser Elshetwi came to the UK two decades ago, and was later granted British citizenship under then home secretary David Blunkett. He has five children aged between seven and 21.Libyan-born Naser Elshetwi came to the UK two decades ago, and was later granted British citizenship under then home secretary David Blunkett. He has five children aged between seven and 21.
Witness Susan Wild said armed officers, with their faces covered, were seen outside the property at about 9.10pm on Wednesday.Witness Susan Wild said armed officers, with their faces covered, were seen outside the property at about 9.10pm on Wednesday.
“I was just putting my rubbish out and they swarmed the area,” the 40-year-old said. “They were shouting ‘armed police’ and there was about 12 of them. The police have been there all night and they’ve taken plastic boxes in there. I would say the family have lived there at least 11 years, which is as long as I have lived here.”“I was just putting my rubbish out and they swarmed the area,” the 40-year-old said. “They were shouting ‘armed police’ and there was about 12 of them. The police have been there all night and they’ve taken plastic boxes in there. I would say the family have lived there at least 11 years, which is as long as I have lived here.”
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The suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, reportedly spoke to his brother Hashim in Libya 15 minutes before he detonated the bomb, CNN reports citing a spokesman for the militia in Tripoli who arrested Hashim.The suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, reportedly spoke to his brother Hashim in Libya 15 minutes before he detonated the bomb, CNN reports citing a spokesman for the militia in Tripoli who arrested Hashim.
Younger brother Hashim Ramadan Abu Qassem al-Abedi - detained in Libya in the aftermath of the bombing – knew of his brother’s movements and about the plot, Ahmed Ben Salem, spokesman for the Special Deterrence Force in Tripoli, told the private broadcaster Libya’s Channel on Thursday night.Younger brother Hashim Ramadan Abu Qassem al-Abedi - detained in Libya in the aftermath of the bombing – knew of his brother’s movements and about the plot, Ahmed Ben Salem, spokesman for the Special Deterrence Force in Tripoli, told the private broadcaster Libya’s Channel on Thursday night.
The brothers spoke on the phone just minutes before the attack, Ben Salem said but Hashim told his Libyan questioners that he did not know details about where and when the blast would be.The brothers spoke on the phone just minutes before the attack, Ben Salem said but Hashim told his Libyan questioners that he did not know details about where and when the blast would be.
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Hundreds of tourists watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace after the ceremony resumed two days after being suspended in the wake of the Manchester attack.
The ceremony was cancelled on Wednesday to allow police officers, who would have been controlling road closures, to be redeployed.
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said a rehearsal for trooping the colour, also known as the Queen’s birthday parade, which was due to be held today had been moved to next Wednesday.
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Steven Morris
Mohamed El Khayyat, who led Friday prayers at Didsbury mosque, said the community has nothing to hide.
“Our heart goes out to all who lost their lives, to their families, their friends, the Manchester community and the wider British public.”
He said the mosque had been overwhelmed by the scrutiny it had come under. He said the trustees had been to a local police station and made themselves available to officers to answer any questions.
Khayyat said the Libyan community in Manchester was “well-educated, kind, generous, always willing to help.”
The Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, who attended the mosque, did not represent the community or its values, he said.
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Henry McDonald
An ex-army officer who won the military cross in Afghanistan and now represents the Ulster Unionists in the Northern Ireland assembly, has emphasised the primacy of intelligence over army boots-on-the ground in protecting the public from further Isis-inspired attacks.
Retired captain Doug Beattie MC said he was unconcerned that soldiers have not been deployed in Northern Ireland as they have been on the streets of English cities since the Manchester attack.
Beattie pointed out that the military already gave support to the Police Service of Northern Ireland through its bomb disposal units when dealing with explosive devices placed around the region by republican terrorist groups.
On the primacy of intelligence to counter the new threat from suicide bombers and mass casualty attacks, Beattie said:
“It is also important to bear in mind that not all security measures are physical. In fact, many are intelligence driven with monitoring of individuals, items that can be used to create an explosive device and materials on the internet and wider circulation that would assist in making an explosive device.”
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Steven Morris
Friday prayers at Didsbury mosque https://t.co/IpCCuOQc96
Several hundred men are at Friday prayers at the Didsbury mosque, in south Manchester. They were expecting almost 1,000, but many are said to have stayed away because of the attention the mosque has received since it emerged that Salman Abedi attended.
Ahead of prayers police community support officers patrolled outside and a mobile police video unit was parked at the gates, its camera pointed at the main door.
Police community support officers outside Didsbury mosque for Friday prayers. pic.twitter.com/X06Dd2a8mB
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Tillerson said the Manchester attack demonstrated the “challenge” of immigration.
Speaking in London at a joint press conference with Boris Johnson, Tillerson said: “Immigration is a significant challenge in how we confront acts of terrorism.” He added:
“We seem to have difficulty assimilating those people so that they feel part of our society and would never consider supporting acts of violence against their fellow citizens and their fellow neighbours.
“This mass migration of people ... is a problem for countries all over the world. It is one we have to learn better how to address.”
Speaking alongside him, Johnson put his own family forward as an example of the success of integration.
“The US and the UK are countries that in many ways are built on immigration,” the foreign secretary said. He added:
“My great grandfather was a Muslim. And he came to this country, indeed he came to Wimbledon in the early part of the last century. I went on to become the mayor of London and indeed foreign secretary. So integration is possible. It is what we should aspire to.”
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What we know so far
Police have arrested a man in Moss Side in connection with the Manchester attack and released details of all eight people being held in custody as raids continued. Greater Manchester police said they were questioning eight men, whose ages ranged from 18 to 38. A 34-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy who were also arrested have been released without charge.
The manager of a St Helens pizza shop that was raided by police this morning has claimed that his friend Aimen Elwafi who rented a property to the bomber, Salman Abedi, is one of the eight people in custody after the Manchester Arena attack. Mohamed Elhudarey said his friend 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.
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 the first police entry, one of the men still present welcomed the Guardian into the property.
British police have resumed sharing information with their counterparts in the US after a brief suspension over a series of leaks by American officials to journalists providing details of the Manchester bomb investigation. The suspension lasted less than 24 hours. The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said the US took responsibility for the leaks.
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. The Metropolitan police said armoured police vehicles will be deployed at the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Abedi had close connections with criminal gangs as well as known and suspected terrorists in Manchester. Abedi, 22, associated with a gang that has for years waged war with a rival grouping in south Manchester, the Guardian has learned after speaking to members of the local community.
The UK’s foreign policy and approach to fighting terrorism is not working, Jeremy Corbyn has said. The Labour leader said there must be more money for law enforcement, as he suggested Britain’s intervention in wars abroad had fuelled the risk of terrorism at home.
The broadcaster Katie Hopkins and LBC have agreed she will leave her job at the radio station with immediate effect. Earlier this week Hopkins called for a “final solution” following the Manchester attack.
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The 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 would “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”.
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Threat level remains at critical
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.
“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.
“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.”
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Frances 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.
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.”
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Jamie Grierson
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 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.
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/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/H9gWuuZbgU
Updated
at 12.30pm BST