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Manchester attack: new arrest as police search for accomplices – live Manchester attack: new arrest as police search for accomplices – live
(35 minutes later)
9.05am BST
09:05
Josh Halliday
Police have raided a pizza shop in St Helens, Merseyside, in connection with the Manchester bombing. The property, Lorenzo Pizza in Corporation Street, was being rented out to “two Muslim lads from Manchester”, according to its owners.
Susan Chowdhury, who owns the property with her husband Steve, said she was “mortified” that the tenants may have been involved in the fatal attack. “They gave up the shop two weeks ago, they said they couldn’t afford it. They had the shop from July last year. The ‘leccy was turned off, they’ve not paid any bills. We’re mortified because my husband’s Hindu and I’m Catholic,” said Susan.
Steve Chowdhury said the two men, in their 30s, both had families in Manchester although one of them had separated from his wife last year. He said they travelled 50 minutes from Manchester every night to run the pizza shop from 4.45pm to 11.30pm.
Steve said he had been due to meet one of the tenants at the shop this morning – but then he got a phone call from the police to say it had been raided. “They were brilliant, really nice people, so conscientious and courteous,” he said. “I know the police are involved but I don’t think these lads are involved – it’s hard to believe. I told the police I don’t think they’re involved in it.”
The metal shutters on the shop had been sawn off during the police raid between 4.30am and 7am on Friday. There was little sign inside the shop of a frenetic search, except some police paperwork on the counter offering to pay for any damage.
Susan said she was “mortified” about the raid but reassured that police were investigating any potential links. “It’s a frightening world and when it comes so close to home you just think flipping heck. I think it’s just one that they’re checking out and it’s really good that they are – it makes you feel safe.”
This is the pizza shop raided in St Helen's in connection with #manchesterattack. Owners rented it to "two Muslim lads from Manchester" pic.twitter.com/4zF9x0HOlK
Updated
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Police confident of 'rolling up' network
Police in Manchester are “confident of rolling up” the suspected terrorist cell behind the attack, according Security Minister Ben Wallace.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme ahead of another meeting of the government’s emergency committee Cobra, Wallace said: “I’ve spoken to the police. The police are confident that they are in a position to have a good coverage of what’s happened, and of rolling it up. I can’t say any more about that, that would threaten ongoing operations. It is still very live, it is still very hot. That’s why we have critical as our security state.”
Asked if the police were searching for two more bombs, Wallace said: “We are trying to roll up a network. This is not a lone individual. We have to close down every lead we find. We have to follow it up and make sure we make the arrests and the searches that we need to do.”
He added: “There is a difference between the Westminster attack, which was a single individual ... and this lot. That’s why we are on a heightened state of alert.
Asked why hospitals have been put on alert for another attack, Wallace said: “There is no specific threat against an individual event. When we go to critical we make sure everyone is on standby.”
He also confirmed there are currently 500 active counter-terrorist investigations, and that around 3,000 individuals are on a watch-list of terrorists suspects.
“All those people are in the mix and they have to be looked at. And then below the 3,000 is another 12,000 people who have in the past come to our attention and haven’t necessarily shown signs of doing anything at all, or no longer posing a risk.
“All of that is predominately underpinned by intelligence, which as I’m sure you will understand and the courts certainly understand, unfortunately the hardest part is we’ve got to convert intelligence into evidence if we actually want to deprive people of their liberty or take certain steps.
Updated
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8.28am BST8.28am BST
08:2808:28
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
In Moss Side, the owner of a hardware store, said he had seen Salman Abedi at the neighbouring barbershop, which is currently being searched by police. Byron Gibbs said:In Moss Side, the owner of a hardware store, said he had seen Salman Abedi at the neighbouring barbershop, which is currently being searched by police. Byron Gibbs said:
“I recognised him in the photos. He spends time with the people. I’ve seen him walk past the shop window lots of times. He was heading towards the barber’s next door. I was shocked to see his face on television. It’s been a long time since I saw him last.”“I recognised him in the photos. He spends time with the people. I’ve seen him walk past the shop window lots of times. He was heading towards the barber’s next door. I was shocked to see his face on television. It’s been a long time since I saw him last.”
The shopkeeper, 79, said no one had been in the barbershop since atleast Tuesday and it has since been closed. “That’s very unusual,” Gibbs said. “It’s normally open every day even Sunday.” Gibbs described the owners as Muslim men of Middle Eastern appearance. “Police have said nothing to me about what’s happening next door,” he said.The shopkeeper, 79, said no one had been in the barbershop since atleast Tuesday and it has since been closed. “That’s very unusual,” Gibbs said. “It’s normally open every day even Sunday.” Gibbs described the owners as Muslim men of Middle Eastern appearance. “Police have said nothing to me about what’s happening next door,” he said.
Shopkeeper, Byron Gibbs, says he had seen Salman Abedi head to neighbouring Barbershop, which is being searched by police. pic.twitter.com/sqBuxmnYNkShopkeeper, Byron Gibbs, says he had seen Salman Abedi head to neighbouring Barbershop, which is being searched by police. pic.twitter.com/sqBuxmnYNk
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.34am BSTat 8.34am BST
8.23am BST8.23am BST
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Security minister Ben Wallace has strongly rejected the idea of interning thousands of terrorists suspects in the wake of the attack.Security minister Ben Wallace has strongly rejected the idea of interning thousands of terrorists suspects in the wake of the attack.
Since the blast there have been calls for the internment of about 3,000 people on a terrorist watch list. Those backing the idea include Col Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan; Steve Howe, a widow of one of those killed in the blast; and Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson.Since the blast there have been calls for the internment of about 3,000 people on a terrorist watch list. Those backing the idea include Col Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan; Steve Howe, a widow of one of those killed in the blast; and Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson.
We need a State of Emergency as France has. We need internment of thousands of terror suspects now to protect our children. #ManchesterWe need a State of Emergency as France has. We need internment of thousands of terror suspects now to protect our children. #Manchester
Wallace said internment would be counter-productive. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said: “We need to keep our communities on side and if we don’t produce evidence and act within the rule of law and just start rounding people up and put people in internment camps, what we found in Northern Ireland was the community felt they were under persecution and stopped engaging with the police and stopped engaging with the intelligence services and that set us back probably 20 years in counter-terrorism.”Wallace said internment would be counter-productive. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said: “We need to keep our communities on side and if we don’t produce evidence and act within the rule of law and just start rounding people up and put people in internment camps, what we found in Northern Ireland was the community felt they were under persecution and stopped engaging with the police and stopped engaging with the intelligence services and that set us back probably 20 years in counter-terrorism.”
He added: “If we start just scooping people up and putting them away what are their families and other people to think, if it turns out as it was in internment [in Northern Ireland] huge numbers of people had nothing to do with it? That’s the big challenge here: intelligence is not always evidence.”He added: “If we start just scooping people up and putting them away what are their families and other people to think, if it turns out as it was in internment [in Northern Ireland] huge numbers of people had nothing to do with it? That’s the big challenge here: intelligence is not always evidence.”
He said reintroducing internment would be “retrograde step”, adding: “The majority would come from the Muslim communities – that would turn communities against us and our police would not want that. A policeman or policewoman would say that’s a bad idea.”He said reintroducing internment would be “retrograde step”, adding: “The majority would come from the Muslim communities – that would turn communities against us and our police would not want that. A policeman or policewoman would say that’s a bad idea.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.29am BSTat 8.29am BST
8.09am BST8.09am BST
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Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Police officers are inside a barber shop in Moss Side as part of the investigation into the bombing.Police officers are inside a barber shop in Moss Side as part of the investigation into the bombing.
Greater Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested at a property in Moss Side overnight, while a separate property in the same area of Manchester is being searched. It is unclear if an arrest has been made at the barber shop.Greater Manchester police confirmed that a man was arrested at a property in Moss Side overnight, while a separate property in the same area of Manchester is being searched. It is unclear if an arrest has been made at the barber shop.
A police cordon has been placed around four properties – a hardware store, pharmacy and cafe, as well as the barber’s. Uniformed officers and a police van are standing guard outside the front and rear of the property.A police cordon has been placed around four properties – a hardware store, pharmacy and cafe, as well as the barber’s. Uniformed officers and a police van are standing guard outside the front and rear of the property.
Police officers are in a Barbers in Moss Side as part of arena bombing investigation, see here where they have broken the shutters open. pic.twitter.com/O6nGyDwrF9Police officers are in a Barbers in Moss Side as part of arena bombing investigation, see here where they have broken the shutters open. pic.twitter.com/O6nGyDwrF9
UpdatedUpdated
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7.41am BST7.41am BST
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Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about how authorities can deal with those suspected of having links to extremism.Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about how authorities can deal with those suspected of having links to extremism.
He says it was a “grave mistake for coalition government to remove control orders”. In 2011, then home secretary Theresa May announced control orders would be replaced by less restrictive terrorism prevention and investigation measures (TPims).He says it was a “grave mistake for coalition government to remove control orders”. In 2011, then home secretary Theresa May announced control orders would be replaced by less restrictive terrorism prevention and investigation measures (TPims).
TPims are, Carlile says this morning, “better than nothing”, but he argues the country “would be a safer place” if control orders were reintroduced:TPims are, Carlile says this morning, “better than nothing”, but he argues the country “would be a safer place” if control orders were reintroduced:
There was a political resistance to imposing these orders on people who were reasonably suspected of being terrorists.There was a political resistance to imposing these orders on people who were reasonably suspected of being terrorists.
He says TPims are rarely applied but notes:He says TPims are rarely applied but notes:
The use of TPims has increased since the 2015 election from about zero to seven today.The use of TPims has increased since the 2015 election from about zero to seven today.
He says he suspects the current home secretary, Amber Rudd, would favour greater use of TPims. But Carlile rejects the idea floated by Jeremy Corbyn and others that cuts in policing numbers have undermined intelligence-gathering:He says he suspects the current home secretary, Amber Rudd, would favour greater use of TPims. But Carlile rejects the idea floated by Jeremy Corbyn and others that cuts in policing numbers have undermined intelligence-gathering:
It’s very easy to say we need more police … I do not believe the number of police officers is the central issue.It’s very easy to say we need more police … I do not believe the number of police officers is the central issue.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.00am BSTat 8.00am BST
7.33am BST7.33am BST
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Here is the statement from Greater Manchester police about its latest search:Here is the statement from Greater Manchester police about its latest search:
We are currently carrying out a search at an address at a property in Moss Side in connection with the attack on the Manchester Arena on Monday. The search is being carried out at a separate property to the address where a man was arrested earlier this morning (Friday 26 May 2017).We are currently carrying out a search at an address at a property in Moss Side in connection with the attack on the Manchester Arena on Monday. The search is being carried out at a separate property to the address where a man was arrested earlier this morning (Friday 26 May 2017).
As it stands, 10 people in total have been arrested in connection with the investigation, of which a man and a woman have since been released without charge.As it stands, 10 people in total have been arrested in connection with the investigation, of which a man and a woman have since been released without charge.
Eight men remain in custody for questioning.Eight men remain in custody for questioning.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.39am BSTat 7.39am BST
7.25am BST7.25am BST
07:2507:25
Greater Manchester police are searching an address in Moss Side separate to where the latest arrest was made overnight.Greater Manchester police are searching an address in Moss Side separate to where the latest arrest was made overnight.
Searches were also being carried out on Friday morning at St Helens, Merseyside.Searches were also being carried out on Friday morning at St Helens, Merseyside.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.32am BSTat 7.32am BST
7.03am BST7.03am BST
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Arrests latestArrests latest
A total of 10 arrests have been made in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena; two of those detained have been released.A total of 10 arrests have been made in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena; two of those detained have been released.
Here is what we know about the arrests and most recent raids:Here is what we know about the arrests and most recent raids:
Police arrested a man in Manchester’s Moss Side in the early hours of Friday in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena.Police arrested a man in Manchester’s Moss Side in the early hours of Friday in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena.
Eight men are in custody. One of them is believed to be Ismail Abedi, 23, the brother of the bomber, Salman Abedi.Eight men are in custody. One of them is believed to be Ismail Abedi, 23, the brother of the bomber, Salman Abedi.
A man and a woman arrested earlier in the investigation have been released without charge.A man and a woman arrested earlier in the investigation have been released without charge.
Police raids in the south of the city on Thursday uncovered suspicious materials similar to those used in the bombing that killed 22 people. Bomb disposal experts were brought in to search a house in Wigan on Thursday evening.Police raids in the south of the city on Thursday uncovered suspicious materials similar to those used in the bombing that killed 22 people. Bomb disposal experts were brought in to search a house in Wigan on Thursday evening.
Officers have warned that accomplices may still be at large and bomb-making equipment could be as yet undiscovered.Officers have warned that accomplices may still be at large and bomb-making equipment could be as yet undiscovered.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.17am BSTat 7.17am BST
6.55am BST6.55am BST
06:5506:55
Manchester’s Great City Games will go ahead in the city centre today.Manchester’s Great City Games will go ahead in the city centre today.
Authorities took the decision to let the event go ahead in the wake of the terror attack on Monday. It will take place in a temporary arena in Albert Square, the site of Tuesday’s vigil for those killed and injured.Authorities took the decision to let the event go ahead in the wake of the terror attack on Monday. It will take place in a temporary arena in Albert Square, the site of Tuesday’s vigil for those killed and injured.
The former Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford, who will take part in the games, said it was an important symbol of resilience:The former Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford, who will take part in the games, said it was an important symbol of resilience:
After such a tragic and heinous event, I think it’s important that everybody comes together and shows it’s not going to stop people leading a normal life.After such a tragic and heinous event, I think it’s important that everybody comes together and shows it’s not going to stop people leading a normal life.
That seems to be the overriding sense from everybody here. I think it’s wonderful that it’s still going ahead and I hope it will be a lovely tribute to those who lost their lives and those injured in the attack.That seems to be the overriding sense from everybody here. I think it’s wonderful that it’s still going ahead and I hope it will be a lovely tribute to those who lost their lives and those injured in the attack.
Sunday’s Great Manchester Run will also go ahead.Sunday’s Great Manchester Run will also go ahead.
6.42am BST6.42am BST
06:4206:42
The UK government’s emergency Cobra committee will meet again this morning in Whitehall. The home secretary, Amber Rudd, will chair the meeting, as Theresa May is attending the G7 summit in Sicily.The UK government’s emergency Cobra committee will meet again this morning in Whitehall. The home secretary, Amber Rudd, will chair the meeting, as Theresa May is attending the G7 summit in Sicily.
UpdatedUpdated
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6.28am BST6.28am BST
06:2806:28
UK resumes intelligence-sharing with USUK resumes intelligence-sharing with US
Ewen MacAskillEwen MacAskill
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.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, announced early on Thursday morning, lasted less than 24 hours. It was primarily intended to send a message to US law enforcement agencies registering anger at the casual way in which sensitive information was disclosed to American journalists.The suspension, announced early on Thursday morning, lasted less than 24 hours. It was primarily intended to send a message to US law enforcement agencies registering anger at the casual way in which sensitive information was disclosed to American journalists.
Mark Rowley, the UK’s most senior counter-terrorism officer, confirmed that they had “received fresh assurances” from the US and were now working closely with them again.Mark Rowley, the UK’s most senior counter-terrorism officer, confirmed that they had “received fresh assurances” from the US and were now working closely with them again.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19am BSTat 7.19am BST
6.13am BST6.13am BST
06:1306:13
Rudd: Police cuts ‘not a factor’ in attackRudd: Police cuts ‘not a factor’ in attack
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has denied that cuts in police forces contributed to Monday’s terror atrocity in Manchester, Press Association reports:The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has denied that cuts in police forces contributed to Monday’s terror atrocity in Manchester, Press Association reports:
Rudd was confronted on BBC1’s Question Time on Thursday night by a member of the studio audience who said Theresa May had been warned by the Police Federation that cuts in frontline officers would undermine their ability to gather low-level intelligence about possible threats. Rudd insisted that the majority of such intelligence came from community leaders operating within the Prevent counter-terrorism programme, rather than from police officers on the street.Rudd was confronted on BBC1’s Question Time on Thursday night by a member of the studio audience who said Theresa May had been warned by the Police Federation that cuts in frontline officers would undermine their ability to gather low-level intelligence about possible threats. Rudd insisted that the majority of such intelligence came from community leaders operating within the Prevent counter-terrorism programme, rather than from police officers on the street.
The audience member said:The audience member said:
We are 20,000 police officers down and we get atrocities like this. Does the government not expect this?We are 20,000 police officers down and we get atrocities like this. Does the government not expect this?
Rudd responded:Rudd responded:
I don’t accept that. I have asked the head of counter-terrorism whether this is about resources. It is not.I don’t accept that. I have asked the head of counter-terrorism whether this is about resources. It is not.
There may a conversation to have about policing, we may have that at some stage. But now is not that conversation. We must not imply that this terrorist activity may not have taken place if there had been more policing.There may a conversation to have about policing, we may have that at some stage. But now is not that conversation. We must not imply that this terrorist activity may not have taken place if there had been more policing.
Good counter-terrorism is when you have close relationships between the policing and intelligence services. That is what we have. That is why the UK has a strong counter-terrorism network. It’s also about making sure we get in early on radicalisation. But it’s not about those pure numbers on the street.Good counter-terrorism is when you have close relationships between the policing and intelligence services. That is what we have. That is why the UK has a strong counter-terrorism network. It’s also about making sure we get in early on radicalisation. But it’s not about those pure numbers on the street.
5.45am BST5.45am BST
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New raid in St Helens, MerseysideNew raid in St Helens, Merseyside
Greater Manchester police says it is undertaking searches of a home in St Helens:Greater Manchester police says it is undertaking searches of a home in St Helens:
This morning (Friday 26 May 2017) we have been carrying out searches at an address in the St Helens area of Merseyside. The arrest is connected to Monday’s attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast-moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.This morning (Friday 26 May 2017) we have been carrying out searches at an address in the St Helens area of Merseyside. The arrest is connected to Monday’s attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast-moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.
As it stands, 10 people in total have been arrested in connection with the investigation, of which a man and a woman have since been released without charge.As it stands, 10 people in total have been arrested in connection with the investigation, of which a man and a woman have since been released without charge.
Eight men remain in custody for questioning.Eight men remain in custody for questioning.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.20am BSTat 7.20am BST
5.18am BST5.18am BST
05:1805:18
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
The investigationThe investigation
Police arrested a man in Manchester’s Moss Side in the early hours of Friday in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena.Police arrested a man in Manchester’s Moss Side in the early hours of Friday in connection with the attack on Manchester Arena.
Eight men are now in custody. One of them is believed to be Ismail Abedi, 23, the brother of the bomber, Salman Abedi.Eight men are now in custody. One of them is believed to be Ismail Abedi, 23, the brother of the bomber, Salman Abedi.
A man and a woman arrested earlier in the investigation have been released without charge.A man and a woman arrested earlier in the investigation have been released without charge.
Police raids in the south of the city on Thursday uncovered suspicious materials similar to those used in the bombing that killed 22 people. Bomb disposal experts were brought in to search a house in Wigan on Thursday evening.Police raids in the south of the city on Thursday uncovered suspicious materials similar to those used in the bombing that killed 22 people. Bomb disposal experts were brought in to search a house in Wigan on Thursday evening.
Officers have warned that accomplices may still be at large and bomb-making equipment could be as yet undiscovered.Officers have warned that accomplices may still be at large and bomb-making equipment could be as yet undiscovered.
UK officials have begun sharing intelligence with US counterparts again, after reassurances were made following a series of leaks to American media.UK officials have begun sharing intelligence with US counterparts again, after reassurances were made following a series of leaks to American media.
The threat level remains at “critical”, with troops continuing to guard key locations and armed police for the first time patrolling trains outside the capital.The threat level remains at “critical”, with troops continuing to guard key locations and armed police for the first time patrolling trains outside the capital.
The perpetratorThe perpetrator
Abedi is believed to have returned to the UK from Libya only days before Monday’s attack. He travelled via Istanbul last Thursday, and Düsseldorf.Abedi is believed to have returned to the UK from Libya only days before Monday’s attack. He travelled via Istanbul last Thursday, and Düsseldorf.
Turkish officials said they had no record of Abedi entering Syria.Turkish officials said they had no record of Abedi entering Syria.
Republican congressman Mike McCaul, chair of the homeland security committee, said Abedi had used triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the explosive used in the 7/7 attacks on London, as well as the Paris and Brussels attacks.Republican congressman Mike McCaul, chair of the homeland security committee, said Abedi had used triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the explosive used in the 7/7 attacks on London, as well as the Paris and Brussels attacks.
The victimsThe victims
All 22 people killed in the attack have now been named. You can read about them here.All 22 people killed in the attack have now been named. You can read about them here.
Of the 116 people taken to eight hospitals in the wake of the attack, 75 are still being treated, of whom 23 remain in critical care, some with “life-changing injuries”. This includes five children at the Royal Manchester children’s hospital, which was visited by the Queen on Thursday.Of the 116 people taken to eight hospitals in the wake of the attack, 75 are still being treated, of whom 23 remain in critical care, some with “life-changing injuries”. This includes five children at the Royal Manchester children’s hospital, which was visited by the Queen on Thursday.
NHS England has sent an alert to England’s 27 major trauma centres to prepare for a possible further incident over the bank holiday weekend.NHS England has sent an alert to England’s 27 major trauma centres to prepare for a possible further incident over the bank holiday weekend.
Election campaign resumesElection campaign resumes
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has denied that government cuts to police numbers contributed to the attack.The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has denied that government cuts to police numbers contributed to the attack.
Rudd will chair this morning’s meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, as Theresa May attends the G7 summit in Sicily.Rudd will chair this morning’s meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, as Theresa May attends the G7 summit in Sicily.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will today make a speech drawing a link between Britain’s foreign policy and terror attack. But he will add:Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will today make a speech drawing a link between Britain’s foreign policy and terror attack. But he will add:
That assessment in no way reduces the guilt of those who attack our children. Those terrorists will forever be reviled and held to account for their actions. But an informed understanding of the causes of terrorism is an essential part of an effective response that will protect the security of our people that fights rather than fuels terrorism.That assessment in no way reduces the guilt of those who attack our children. Those terrorists will forever be reviled and held to account for their actions. But an informed understanding of the causes of terrorism is an essential part of an effective response that will protect the security of our people that fights rather than fuels terrorism.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.21am BSTat 7.21am BST