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Manchester attack: Police make 12th and 13th arrests in bombing investigation – live Manchester attack: Police make 12th and 13th arrests in bombing investigation – live
(35 minutes later)
8.46am BST
08:46
Plans for major bank holiday events in the the UK
Police have stepped up security at a number of events this weekend, PA reports. Most are expected to go ahead as planned, albeit with more police officers around. Plans to bolster security at events, including Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Hull, were first announced on Tuesday.
Going ahead:
Premiership Rugby final, Twickenham. Exeter Chiefs battle Wasps in south-west London, with kick-off scheduled for 2.30pm after a minute’s silence for the victims of Monday’s attack. England Rugby advised fans to allow extra time to access the stadium and avoid bringing bags where possible.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Hull. Music fans heading to see Katy Perry, Little Mix, Biffy Clyro and others should allow extra time to undergo two rounds of security procedures. Police will be on hand at checks at transport hubs and a second check will be carried out at the site entrances. Asst Ch Con Andy McDyer said on Tuesday: “Be prepared to be searched.”
Birmingham Pride. The parade begins at midday with a large number of police officers, specials and police staff on hand to keep the public safe, West Midlands police said. Anyone who sees something suspicious is urged to tell a police officer or member of security staff. Supt Phil Dolby said: “I appreciate that people planning to attend may feel a sense of nervousness following events earlier this week in Manchester, but I would like to offer some reassurance that a full policing operation is in place and is subject to ongoing reviews.”
Chelsea Flower Show, London. Visitors on the last day of the show are urged to “remain extra vigilant” and report any concerns to staff or security immediately. Organisers say they are continuing to work closely with the Metropolitan police in light of recent events.
FA Cup final, Wembley. The Duke of Cambridge and the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, are expected to join tens of thousands of Arsenal and Chelsea fans at the north-west London stadium. The Football Association said enhanced security measures would be in place and fans are urged to arrive at least an hour before the 5.30pm kick-off.
Cancelled:
Screening of the FA Cup final at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal said they reluctantly made the decision following the raising of the threat level.
Updated
at 8.50am BST
8.37am BST8.37am BST
08:3708:37
Our reporter Josh Halliday is at the scene in Cheetham Hill where police blew off the doors of a house before storming in and arresting two men, aged 20 and 22, on suspicion of terrorism offences.Our reporter Josh Halliday is at the scene in Cheetham Hill where police blew off the doors of a house before storming in and arresting two men, aged 20 and 22, on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Property in Cheetham Hill where police used controlled explosion to gain entry. Two arrests in connection with #ManchesterBombing pic.twitter.com/4J0W2gDqZHProperty in Cheetham Hill where police used controlled explosion to gain entry. Two arrests in connection with #ManchesterBombing pic.twitter.com/4J0W2gDqZH
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.39am BSTat 8.39am BST
8.23am BST8.23am BST
08:2308:23
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
Hello, Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now and for the rest of today.Hello, Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now and for the rest of today.
Greater Manchester police this morning said they have been carrying out searches at a third address in Cheetham Hill, and another property was being searched in Moss Side.Greater Manchester police this morning said they have been carrying out searches at a third address in Cheetham Hill, and another property was being searched in Moss Side.
We have reporters heading to the scenes to find out what’s going on.We have reporters heading to the scenes to find out what’s going on.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.34am BSTat 8.34am BST
7.21am BST7.21am BST
07:2107:21
We are going to leave the blog there for now. Thanks for reading. For all the latest news on the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack, please visit our dedicated page.We are going to leave the blog there for now. Thanks for reading. For all the latest news on the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack, please visit our dedicated page.
5.40am BST5.40am BST
05:4005:40
Saturday’s front pages are dominated by extra security on the Bank Holiday and Theresa May accusing Jeremy Corbyn of making excuses for terror attacks.Saturday’s front pages are dominated by extra security on the Bank Holiday and Theresa May accusing Jeremy Corbyn of making excuses for terror attacks.
Saturday's Mail: "Bank holiday ring of steel" (via @hendopolis) #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/qaiHDbUSkfSaturday's Mail: "Bank holiday ring of steel" (via @hendopolis) #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/qaiHDbUSkf
Saturday's Mirror: "Lockdown Britain. Terror Chief: Go out and enjoy yourselves" (via @hendopolis) #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/4rfjheaT8YSaturday's Mirror: "Lockdown Britain. Terror Chief: Go out and enjoy yourselves" (via @hendopolis) #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/4rfjheaT8Y
TELEGRAPH Corbyn is making excuses for terror attacks, says May #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/L6ltLXow6vTELEGRAPH Corbyn is making excuses for terror attacks, says May #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/L6ltLXow6v
The Guardian front page, Saturday 27.05.17: May puts bombing at heart of election with attack on Corbyn pic.twitter.com/u8FZwoVcHeThe Guardian front page, Saturday 27.05.17: May puts bombing at heart of election with attack on Corbyn pic.twitter.com/u8FZwoVcHe
TIMES: UK home to 23,000 jihadists #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Qtj4oaUK5xTIMES: UK home to 23,000 jihadists #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Qtj4oaUK5x
FT WEEKEND FRONT PAGE: 'May puts Manchester bombing at centre of election campaign' #skypapers pic.twitter.com/2k60mDVfnMFT WEEKEND FRONT PAGE: 'May puts Manchester bombing at centre of election campaign' #skypapers pic.twitter.com/2k60mDVfnM
4.05am BST4.05am BST
04:0504:05
The Press Association reports:The Press Association reports:
GMP said officers made the latest arrests as they executed a warrant at an address in Cheetham Hill, north of the city centre.GMP said officers made the latest arrests as they executed a warrant at an address in Cheetham Hill, north of the city centre.
It followed searches at a separate property in Cheetham Hill and an address in the Longsight area in south Manchester.It followed searches at a separate property in Cheetham Hill and an address in the Longsight area in south Manchester.
3.30am BST3.30am BST
03:3003:30
Police make two more arrestsPolice make two more arrests
Hello, we are back with news that Greater Manchester police have arrested two more men and used a controlled explosion to gain access to an address in Cheetham Hill.Hello, we are back with news that Greater Manchester police have arrested two more men and used a controlled explosion to gain access to an address in Cheetham Hill.
Latest update pic.twitter.com/KiKoeNzfWfLatest update pic.twitter.com/KiKoeNzfWf
2.02am BST2.02am BST
02:0202:02
Latest update pic.twitter.com/TQOEGajkVLLatest update pic.twitter.com/TQOEGajkVL
1.23am BST1.23am BST
01:2301:23
SummarySummary
We are going to pause our live coverage of the aftermath of the attacks for now. For the latest news from Manchester, please visit our dedicated page. Here is what we know so far:We are going to pause our live coverage of the aftermath of the attacks for now. For the latest news from Manchester, please visit our dedicated page. Here is what we know so far:
Police made two arrests on Friday, one in Moss Side and one in Rusholme, taking the number of people in custody to nine. The cousins of the bomber are believed to be among those attested. A 34-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy who were also arrested have been released without charge.Police made two arrests on Friday, one in Moss Side and one in Rusholme, taking the number of people in custody to nine. The cousins of the bomber are believed to be among those attested. A 34-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy who were also arrested have been released without charge.
Police now say a “large part” of the Manchester attack network has been detained.Police now say a “large part” of the Manchester attack network has been detained.
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 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.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 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.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.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. Theresa May will chair a Cobra meeting on Saturday morning.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. Theresa May will chair a Cobra meeting on Saturday morning.
May has said “there can be no excuse for what happened in Manchester”, and denied that under-funding of the police had left the city vulnerable.May has said “there can be no excuse for what happened in Manchester”, and denied that under-funding of the police had left the city vulnerable.
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.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 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.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.
12.57am BST12.57am BST
00:5700:57
The front page of tomorrow’s Manchester Evening News:The front page of tomorrow’s Manchester Evening News:
Saturday's front page - tributes to the 22 and a call to action. pic.twitter.com/YBQ6FEbEutSaturday's front page - tributes to the 22 and a call to action. pic.twitter.com/YBQ6FEbEut
12.18am BST
00:18
Hello, Bonnie Malkin picking up the blog for the next little while. Our latest report from Manchester describes how detectives investigating the bombing say they have “got hold of a large part of the network” and made “immense” progress in arresting people suspected of assisting Salman Abedi.
You can read the full story here:
9.43pm BST
21:43
A local shopkeeper has described how armed police boarded a bus in Rusholme, Manchester and arrested a 44-year-old man in connection with the attack.
Daryl Lawson, a 29-year-old store manager of Spar on Oxford Road in the city, told the Press Association that up to six people rushed into his shop as armed police stormed the bus they were on. He then saw a police van pull up at the back of the bus, and believes a male passenger was taken away in it. Lawson said: “Basically some other people from the bus came running in the shop absolutely terrified, they said a number of armed police were on the bus. So I just got them in the back of the shop. I stood and guarded the front.” The passengers “were too scared and panicked” to get a good look at the man, but told Lawson he had been sitting at the back of the number 41 bus.
Updated
at 9.45pm BST
8.27pm BST
20:27
Relatives have been paying tribute to 47-year-old Lisa Lees, who died in Monday’s bombing.
Her daughter, India Lees, said:
You were the best mum in the universe and the bestest friend that I could ask for. You always cheered me up when I was upset and have always been there for me. You have the most beautiful smile and most caring eyes. You are loved by everyone. I will forever miss our girly days out and talking to you about everything. You taught me to ‘believe’ in myself and to do my best. I will make you proud mum, I promise. I love you soooo much, more than anything and always will.
My Angel- RIP <3
Anthony Lees, Lisa’s husband:
Lisa you are my beautiful, gorgeous wife. You are my life, my soulmate, my best friend. I love you so much and always will. Life will never be the same again. My heart has been ripped apart, Lisa you really were such an amazing woman, the perfect mum to India and Lauran, and the coolest nanna to Jayden. You brought joy and happiness wherever you were and whoever you were with. You achieved so much in your career as a beauty therapist. We are all so proud of what you achieved, Lisa you really were such an amazing woman.
RIP babe we all love you so much.
Till we meet again, love and always forever, Anthony xxx
And Elaine Hunter, Lisa Lees’ mother, said:
To my beautiful amazing daughter Lisa, I am so proud of you for what you achieved. Little did I know that when I spent the day with you on Sunday 14 May it would be the last time I got to hold you as your life was cut short before your time, through a cowardly act of murder and worse was I was on holiday in Turkey.
You were a wonderful daughter, wife and mother and sister. You achieved such a lot in your life, graduating only last year from university. Before that you won an award of excellence in London for your work with children who had complex mental health issues.
You were an inspiration to all and should have had a great life ahead of you. Instead at the age of 43 your time on earth ended, you are now an angel in God’s garden.
The last five years you looked after and supported me through my illness along with your brother Lee.
Don’t know how we will go on without you but I know you would want us too, my Darling Daughter I love you now and forever.
8.10pm BST
20:10
Police make another arrest
Greater Manchester police say they have arrested a 44-year-old man in the Rusholme area of the city “on suspicion of offences contrary to the terrorism act”.
He is the 11th person to be detained by UK police; two of whom have since been released without charge. That leaves nine men in custody, police say.
7.42pm BST
19:42
Helen Pidd
Fesl Reza Khan, a council worker who helped to organise a Muslim vigil in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square on Friday night, addressed part of his speech to the non-Muslims present.
Speaker at Muslim vigil addresses non-Muslims: "we are your neighbours. We went to your schools. We work with you." pic.twitter.com/FEwB2ETx7S
How can I begin to express the love we have for you? We are your neighbours. We went to school with you. We work with you. There’s but a hair’s breadth difference between us. It’s important for you to know that when you are worried, we want to put our arms around you. When you cry, we feel your pain. And when you fall, our first instinct is to help pick you up.
There has been a minute's silence at the Muslim vigil in Manchester, with everyone making a heart sign pic.twitter.com/VfPq7vuI3C
The half-hour vigil also featured a rendition of Wonderwall by singer Hussnain Lahori and a minute’s silence, which saw several hundred people - including the politician George Galloway - make a heart sign with their hands.
George Galloway has come to the Muslim vigil in St Ann's square pic.twitter.com/uTrGfjO7p7
7.24pm BST
19:24
Theresa May will chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee in Whitehall on Saturday morning to discuss the latest developments with senior ministers, officials and security officers, Downing Street says.
7.13pm BST
19:13
Ariana Grande, at whose concert the terror attack took place on Monday night, will return to the city for a benefit concert. She says her “heart, prayers and deepest condolences” are with the victims of the bombing.
pic.twitter.com/c03xrX3iIv
Updated
at 7.14pm BST
7.04pm BST
19:04
Helen Pidd
The Great City Games have begun in Manchester this evening. The women’s pole vaulting is underway in Albert Square, where thousands gathered for a vigil on Tuesday night. A 200m running track as been set up on Deansgate, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, which leads down towards the arena.
Colin Jackson, the Olympic hurdles medallist and BBC commentator, told me it was right that the event goes ahead.”
Just spoken to Colin Jackson on Deansgate, says it's right the Great City Games go ahead in Manchester. "Sport can galvanise the nation" pic.twitter.com/fqkIN8Ipu3
Sport can galvanise us as a nation. I think it’s really important that sport carries on and we show what we can do. I think people will come out because they want to support, not just for the event but for each other. There is something reassuring about rubbing shoulders with like-minded people, who share the trauma that everybody feels.
He said he wasn’t at all scared to be in Manchester. Shortly Greg Rutherford, the 2012 Olympic champion, is due to compete in Albert Square.
6.43pm BST
18:43
Jessica Elgot
Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, said he did not agree with Jeremy Corbyn’s interpretation of the influence of foreign policy on terrorism.
The Labour mayor said Corbyn should not seek to lay the blame with governments. “I have a different view to Jeremy on this,” he told TalkRadio on Friday.
“9/11 happened before any interventions overseas, and the ideology was in existence before that... The people who committed this appalling act are responsible for it, 100%.”
Burnham said radical Islamists had “used things” to justify violence. “We didn’t create it. [There is] a tendency to blame governments for everything, and I don’t think we should.
“Actions of governments can contribute, but let’s remember 9/11 happened before interventions anywhere. We’ve got to deal with what this is – a twisted ideology that has no connection to being representative of the Muslim religion.”
6.31pm BST
18:31
Helen Pidd
A charity working with homeless people in Manchester has asked members of the public to consider donating to local homelessness charities, rather than directly to the rough sleepers who helped in the aftermath of Monday’s attack.
Steve Jones and Chris Parker have been in the spotlight after it emerged they had gone to help those injured following the bomb blast, prompting several crowdfunding campaigns that have raised more than £40,000 for each man.
Barnabus, a charity which has worked with Jones, is concerned at the effect all the attention could have on these two vulnerable men and has issued the following joint statement with the Manchester Homelessness Partnership:
We want to end homelessness, but it cannot simply be solved by the provision of cash or a room – it is much more complex, and many of the people our trained support workers help have multiple or significant issues. These issues mean that additional support is vital when starting a tenancy, otherwise our experience shows that people usually end up back on the streets before long.
The publicity surrounding the heroics of two homeless people in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday has brought a lot of attention and kind offers of support as a result.
We have previously worked to support Steve Jones and his situation and are continuing to offer support. As a result of our association, we have been contacted with many kind offers of help and support for Steve in recognition of his actions.
As one of the charities operating as part of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership , we would welcome the chance to end rough sleeping; but this requires an enormous amount of resources beyond a front door and a key.
We would therefore advise and request that anyone who does wish to make a contribution in this respect considers funding the charities who support those experiencing homelessness by providing the necessary support to help them move on with their lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the Manchester Arena victims at this terrible time.