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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)
11.20am BST
11:20
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
More police, army at Granby Row, fire brigade also just pulled up #Manchester pic.twitter.com/G8NG7lEIXA
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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.
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Steven 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.
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.
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.”
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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.
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.
Cordon 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).
10.53am BST10.53am BST
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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.
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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
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at 10.51am BSTat 10.51am BST
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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.
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at 10.53am BSTat 10.53am BST
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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
10.23am BST10.23am BST
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Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Moss Side residents have described a dramatic raid overnight in which as many as three men were seen being taken away by armed police officers. Up to 30 officers, including those carrying arms, swooped on the red-brick terraced property on a leafy street at 1.50am on Friday.Moss Side residents have described a dramatic raid overnight in which as many as three men were seen being taken away by armed police officers. Up to 30 officers, including those carrying arms, swooped on the red-brick terraced property on a leafy street at 1.50am on Friday.
Neighbours described shouting as unmarked and marked cars filled the cul-de-sac. One resident, who asked not to be named, said a man in an ankle-length robe was taken out of the property and told to lie down in the street. Another man was witnessed being dragged down the stairs face first and out into the street.Neighbours described shouting as unmarked and marked cars filled the cul-de-sac. One resident, who asked not to be named, said a man in an ankle-length robe was taken out of the property and told to lie down in the street. Another man was witnessed being dragged down the stairs face first and out into the street.
Two men remain in the property. They were unable to explain what had happened and why, when the Guardian was shown round the house. Neither of the men spoke much English but one of them welcomed the Guardian into the property. The other man was sleeping under a rug in an empty ground-floor room.Two men remain in the property. They were unable to explain what had happened and why, when the Guardian was shown round the house. Neither of the men spoke much English but one of them welcomed the Guardian into the property. The other man was sleeping under a rug in an empty ground-floor room.
Upstairs, there were two bare bedrooms with little furniture. The tenant, who said he was from Kuwait and did not appear to know why police had searched the property, pointed to where officers had searched the attic. There was no police presence at the house in the form of officers or marked vehicles.Upstairs, there were two bare bedrooms with little furniture. The tenant, who said he was from Kuwait and did not appear to know why police had searched the property, pointed to where officers had searched the attic. There was no police presence at the house in the form of officers or marked vehicles.
“I heard shouting at 1.50am exactly,” a neighbour said. “There were loads of armed police, I wouldn’t like to say how many. You could see the laser dots from their guns on the building.”“I heard shouting at 1.50am exactly,” a neighbour said. “There were loads of armed police, I wouldn’t like to say how many. You could see the laser dots from their guns on the building.”
The neighbour said three men were taken away by police officers, including one in Islamic dress and another in western clothing. “I was so frightened, it was so loud,” the resident said.The neighbour said three men were taken away by police officers, including one in Islamic dress and another in western clothing. “I was so frightened, it was so loud,” the resident said.
The resident said the tenants in the house had been reported for noise and disruption in the past. “We’ve always had difficulties,” the resident said. “There’s always someone coming and going at all hours. There can sometimes be as many as 10 men in there.”The resident said the tenants in the house had been reported for noise and disruption in the past. “We’ve always had difficulties,” the resident said. “There’s always someone coming and going at all hours. There can sometimes be as many as 10 men in there.”
The neighbour said one of the longest-standing tenants had not been seen for some time but was seen “for the first time in a while” on Monday.The neighbour said one of the longest-standing tenants had not been seen for some time but was seen “for the first time in a while” on Monday.
Greater Manchester police said on Friday they had made an arrest in Moss Side. Another property – a barbershop less than half a mile away – is also being searched.Greater Manchester police said on Friday they had made an arrest in Moss Side. Another property – a barbershop less than half a mile away – is also being searched.
A tenant, with limited English, has shown me round the property and pointed to where officers searched the attic. pic.twitter.com/TuBxwlxDUvA tenant, with limited English, has shown me round the property and pointed to where officers searched the attic. pic.twitter.com/TuBxwlxDUv
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at 10.35am BSTat 10.35am BST
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Hopkins to leave LBCHopkins to leave LBC
The broadcaster and newspaper columnist Katie Hopkins is to leave LBC Radio after she became the subject of a police review over comments she made on Twitter in the wake of the Manchester attack.The broadcaster and newspaper columnist Katie Hopkins is to leave LBC Radio after she became the subject of a police review over comments she made on Twitter in the wake of the Manchester attack.
Hopkins, who is also employed by Mail Online, was reported to the Metropolitan police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” as part of a longer anti-Muslim tirade.Hopkins, who is also employed by Mail Online, was reported to the Metropolitan police for a tweet in which she called for a “final solution” as part of a longer anti-Muslim tirade.
The columnist quickly deleted the tweet and posted an edited version after receiving widespread condemnation for repeating the Nazi term for the Holocaust.The columnist quickly deleted the tweet and posted an edited version after receiving widespread condemnation for repeating the Nazi term for the Holocaust.
In a tweet, LBC announced that it and Hopkins have agreed she will leave the station immediately.In a tweet, LBC announced that it and Hopkins have agreed she will leave the station immediately.
LBC and Katie Hopkins have agreed that Katie will leave LBC effective immediately.LBC and Katie Hopkins have agreed that Katie will leave LBC effective immediately.
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at 10.36am BSTat 10.36am BST
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Ages of those arrested releasedAges of those arrested released
For the first time, Manchester police have given the ages of all 10 people they have arrested in connection with the attack. All were arrested on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act. Two of those arrested, a 34-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy have since been released without charge. The ages of those still being held range from 18 to 38.For the first time, Manchester police have given the ages of all 10 people they have arrested in connection with the attack. All were arrested on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act. Two of those arrested, a 34-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy have since been released without charge. The ages of those still being held range from 18 to 38.
Eight were arrested in Greater Manchester, one in Wigan and one in Nuneaton.Eight were arrested in Greater Manchester, one in Wigan and one in Nuneaton.
Age range of those arrested in Manchester arena terror inquiry 16-38, police say. 16-year-old boy released without charge. pic.twitter.com/83XF0ArRYhAge range of those arrested in Manchester arena terror inquiry 16-38, police say. 16-year-old boy released without charge. pic.twitter.com/83XF0ArRYh
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at 10.08am BSTat 10.08am BST
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Armoured police vehicles to be deployed at WembleyArmoured police vehicles to be deployed at Wembley
Armoured police vehicles will be deployed at this Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, the Metropolitan police have announced.Armoured police vehicles will be deployed at this Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, the Metropolitan police have announced.
In a statement, Ch Supt Jon Williams, who is in charge of public order policing in the MPS, said: “We are working closely with both the Football Association and Wembley to ensure this weekend’s iconic football matches pass off without incident. Together we have a long history of delivering safe and secure major sporting events.In a statement, Ch Supt Jon Williams, who is in charge of public order policing in the MPS, said: “We are working closely with both the Football Association and Wembley to ensure this weekend’s iconic football matches pass off without incident. Together we have a long history of delivering safe and secure major sporting events.
“The focus is the safety and security of fans. Anyone coming to the FA Cup final or the other play-off matches over the weekend will see an increase in police numbers in and around the stadium. This will include extra armed officers on foot patrol around the environs of the stadium, and the deployment of police armoured vehicles to support road closures.”“The focus is the safety and security of fans. Anyone coming to the FA Cup final or the other play-off matches over the weekend will see an increase in police numbers in and around the stadium. This will include extra armed officers on foot patrol around the environs of the stadium, and the deployment of police armoured vehicles to support road closures.”
Armed officers will also be deployed for the rugby final at Twickenham, he said.Armed officers will also be deployed for the rugby final at Twickenham, he said.
The MPS has carried out a thorough review ahead of events accross the Capital this weekend https://t.co/ybjtYzPy4U pic.twitter.com/dRrjxCQEyEThe MPS has carried out a thorough review ahead of events accross the Capital this weekend https://t.co/ybjtYzPy4U pic.twitter.com/dRrjxCQEyE
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at 9.47am BSTat 9.47am BST
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Labour is reported to have suspended the vice-chairman of a Surrey branch of the party after he suggested the government could have been behind the Manchester bombing.Labour is reported to have suspended the vice-chairman of a Surrey branch of the party after he suggested the government could have been behind the Manchester bombing.
Daniel Ewen, who is the party’s vice-chair in Esher and Walton, wrote on Facebook: “I would not put it past our establishment, our right wing government or Theresa May to blow up their own people in order to continue to secure power for themselves.”Daniel Ewen, who is the party’s vice-chair in Esher and Walton, wrote on Facebook: “I would not put it past our establishment, our right wing government or Theresa May to blow up their own people in order to continue to secure power for themselves.”
A spokesman for Labour told the Surrey Advertiser Ewen has been suspended from the party following the comments.A spokesman for Labour told the Surrey Advertiser Ewen has been suspended from the party following the comments.
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at 9.43am BSTat 9.43am BST
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Josh HallidayJosh 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.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.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 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.”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.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.”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.”
Steve Chowdhury had rented the St Helen's pizza shop out to two men from Manchester, who he says hadn't paid bills and closed two weeks ago pic.twitter.com/dWK5DZAENkSteve Chowdhury had rented the St Helen's pizza shop out to two men from Manchester, who he says hadn't paid bills and closed two weeks ago pic.twitter.com/dWK5DZAENk
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/4zF9x0HOlKThis 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
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Police confident of 'rolling up' networkPolice confident of 'rolling up' network
Police in Manchester are “confident of rolling up” the suspected terrorist cell behind the attack, according to security minister Ben Wallace.Police in Manchester are “confident of rolling up” the suspected terrorist cell behind the attack, according to 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.”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.”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.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.”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 500 active counter-terrorist investigations, and that about 3,000 individuals are on a watchlist of terrorists suspects.He also confirmed there are 500 active counter-terrorist investigations, and that about 3,000 individuals are on a watchlist 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 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.“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.
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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
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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.”
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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
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