Armed police on trains as terror network hunt steps up

Police are continuing to carry out raids in a race to disrupt a potential terror cell linked to the Manchester bomber.

On Thursday night a property was being searched in Wigan after potentially suspicious items were found.

And overnight a man was arrested following a raid on a property in the Moss Side area of Manchester.

As it stands, 10 people in total have been arrested in connection with the attack - of which a man and a woman have been released without charge.

Eight men remain in custody.

A house in the St Helens area of Merseyside has also been searched.

Meanwhile, armed police have begun patrolling trains for the first time.

Firearms officers will now guard passengers after the UK's terror threat was raised to its highest level of "critical".

:: Hospitals on alert for possible new attack

:: LIVE - Fresh raids after Manchester bombing

British Transport Police said the patrols are taking place mostly on routes between major cities to "disrupt and deter criminal activity" but added there was no specific intelligence of a threat to train passengers.

BTP chief constable Paul Crowther said: "Our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

"By having firearms officers on board trains we're ensuring that trains remain as safe as possible for passengers.

"Our patrols will be highly visible and passengers should feel comforted by their presence. Please do speak to them if you have any concerns at all."

Meanwhile, staff at major trauma centres have been warned to prepare for a potential terror attack over the bank holiday weekend.

NHS England says its advice is in response to the raising of the terror threat level following Monday's attack.

:: The victims of the Manchester terror attack

More details have emerged about the bomber. According to a Libyan anti-terror official, Salman Abedi called his mother to ask for forgiveness hours before detonating the bomb that ended 22 innocent lives.

The families of the victims have been paying tribute to their loved ones. In Bury, dozens of bikers joined a memorial ride for Olivia Campbell, 15.

Olivia was among the missing in the hours after the attack. Her mother Charlotte made a series of emotional appeals for help finding her until her death was confirmed.

Outside the family home people lined the streets to wave the convoy of scooters, motorbikes and cars adorned with pink ribbons at the request of the family.

:: Inside flat where Abedi spent last evening

:: Timeline of terror: The last days of Salman Abedi

Paul Hodgson, Olivia's stepdad, told Sky News "This means the world to us. Scootering is part of our life and for all these people to turn up for a little girl is phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal."

"She was a bubbly, stunning young lady who loved life. All she wanted was to do the best of what she could do and achieve that in every way, shape or form."

The convoy travelled eight miles to St Ann's square in Manchester, which has become the focal point for tributes.

As hundreds of well-wishers watched on Charlotte Campbell lay flowers for her daughter.

:: Watch a special programme on the Manchester attack on Sky News at 8.30pm on Friday.