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Manchester attack: Detectives hunt terror 'network'

Troops patrol British streets

Detectives are probing a "network" linked to the Manchester suicide bomber, police have confirmed, as the terrorist's father insisted he is innocent.

Confirming that an off-duty female police officer was among the 22 people killed in the attack, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said officers are investigating associates of Salman Abedi when asked if they are seeking a "bomb maker".

Meanwhile, Abedi's father has spoken for the first time since his son's death to deny his involvement and said: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

It comes as nearly 1,000 soldiers are being immediately deployed on Britain's streets to support police in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing, as the UK remains on critical terror alert amid fears Abedi did not act alone.

Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi
Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi

Armed troops are taking on duties for guarding high profile buildings and embassies, freeing up armed police officers to join counter-terrorism duties.

Soldiers have taken up position at Buckingham Palace, Parliament and Downing Street on Wednesday as part of the deployment named Operation Temperer, which is being enacted after security experts warned the Government that another terrorist attack could be imminent. Police forces outside London have also asked for troops.

An armed soldier in Downing Street - Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
An armed soldier on patrol in Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP

Greater Manchester Police revealed on Wednesday that three men have been arrested in the south of the city in connection with the concert bomb attack. It follows the arrest yesterday of Abedi's 23-year-old brother, who remains in custody.

Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the threat level to the highest possible rating, meaning another atrocity is expected. She said a "wider group of individuals" could have been involved in the Manchester Arena blast rather than just Abedi.

Explosion rocks Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in pictures

Monday night's attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured. Click here to read more about the victims.

Twenty people remain in "critical care", medics said on Wednesday, with people suffering from "horrific injuries" including major organ damage and potential loss of  limbs. 

Three of the known victims of the attack
Three of the known victims of the attack - from left: Saffie-Rose Roussos, Georgina Callander and John Atkinson

Counter-terrorism agencies have mounted a massive inquiry into the outrage - the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terror group claimed responsibility for the barbaric attack, which involved a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts which exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.

4:16PM

Schoolgirl, 14, is among the dead

A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been confirmed as among the dead, writes Helena Horton.

Sorrell Leczkowski, from Leeds, was at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester with her mother and grandmother, both of whom are recovering in hospital.

Sorrell Leczkowski, from Leeds, was at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester - Credit:  
Sorrell Leczkowski, from Leeds, was at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Credit:

Her aunt and other family members have confirmed she is dead.

Sorrell's grandmother is critically ill, and has been unconscious since the blast.

Sorrell's grandparents - Credit: Just Giving
Sorrell's grandparents Credit: Just Giving

According to her family, her grandmother had a 15-hour operation to remove shrapnel from her body.

For the full story, click here.

3:54PM

'Once again the service has been rocked'

Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, the body that represents rank and officers, Steve White responded to the confirmation an off-duty policewoman was killed in Monday's terrorist attack.

The unnamed officer, whose husband and two children were also reportedly injured in the blast, is the second to be killed by terrorism in less than three months, coming after Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed during the March Westminster attack.

He said:

Once again the service has been rocked by the devastating news that a member of the police family has lost their life because of the murderous actions of a terrorist.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of everybody affected at this difficult time.

3:41PM

Calls of condolence to Theresa May from world leaders

The Prime Minister has taken several further condolence calls from other world leaders today following Monday’s terrorist attack in Manchester, including Chancellor Merkel, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

Chancellor Merkel

Chancellor Merkel called to offer Germany’s condolences and said Germany stands with the UK against terrorism. They agreed the deliberate targeting of children was despicable and that the people of Manchester had shown great spirit in coming together in the wake of the attack.

King Salman

King Salman of Saudi Arabia called to offer his condolences and said Saudi Arabia strongly denounces and condemns this brutal terrorist attack which defies all international humanitarian norms. They agreed the UK and Saudi Arabia would continue working closely together to counter terrorism and violent extremism. 

Stefan Lofven

The Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven called to express Sweden’s condolences, praising the public response and their determination to carry on as normal.

Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his country’s deepest condolences and said India’s prayers were with all of those affected. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Manchester on their courage, patience and spirit. They agreed the UK and India would continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism, including aviation security and countering online radicalisation.

3:38PM

Met chief: Major weekend events being security reviewed

Cressida Dick, the UK’s most senior police officer, has said that all major public events happening this weekend are being security reviewed after the Manchester attack, reports Ben Riley-Smith.

The Metropolitan Police commissioner said she wanted to show that “London is open for business” after the attack but stressed that checks needed to be carried out.

Ms Dick was speaking as she visited Parliament on Wednesday afternoon after the site’s security was enhanced as the terror level was raised to “critical”

Speaking to Sky News cameras, Ms Dick was asked about major events due to take place this weekend.

Reporter: “It will be a sunny weekend, people will want to be out and about. Do you expect those ordinary events to go ahead?". Cressida Dick said: 

"So since the attack in Manchester, colleagues around the country and in London have been reviewing with event organisers the security around all events.

"I myself yesterday went to see the security at the Chelsea Flower Show to see how that was working.

"We are working closely with event organisers. We will be risk assessing every event. We want London to stay open for business. London is open for business. It’s our job to keep people as safe as we possibly can.

"We hope there will be minimal disruption, but we need to plan ahead over the next days and – I hope not – but potentially further than that.

"We are thinking right out into weeks about how we can keep as many events as possible with the event organisers running as usual but having paid really good attention to the necessary security.”

3:36PM

Labour confirms election campaigning will resume on Friday

3:32PM

Probe is continuing 'at pace': More from police chief

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said the level of activity in the probe is "intense" and continuing "at pace".

Asked if officers are looking for the person who made the bomb, he said: "I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating and as I've said, it continues at pace, this extensive investigation is going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak."

3:31PM

Bomber was 'identified by bank card in his pocket'

The update from police comes as US media reports that the bomber was identified by a bank card in his pocket.

According to NBC News, citing a US intelligence official, members of the bomber's family warned security officials about him in the past, saying that he was “dangerous”.

The official told the broadcaster that Abedi likely "had help" making “big and sophisticated bomb".

3:07PM

Bomber's father: 'We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us'

Salman Abedi's father has spoken for the first time since his son's death and said: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

Speaking from Tripoli, he told AP that his son is innocent and confirmed that British police have arrested another of his sons. This is believed to be a 23-year-old arrested in south Manchester yesterday.

Salman Abedi - Credit: Sky News
Salman Abedi, the Manchester bomber Credit: Sky News

3:06PM

Police chief confirms officers investigating terror network

Asked if police were seeking a "bomb maker", Mr Hopkins said it is "very clear" that police are investigating "a network" linked to the bomber.

3:01PM

Senior police officer confirms one of the victims was serving police officer

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, from Greater Manchester Police, has just confirmed that an off-duty female police officer was among the victims of the Manchester Arena  bomb attack.

2:45PM

Video: Queen attends OBE service amid tight security

The Queen and Prince Philip have attended a national service marking the 100th anniversary of the Order of the British Empire amid tight security.

As the St Paul's Cathedral event, words of support were said for the victims of the Manchester terrorist bombing.

The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, told the congregation in his bidding: "And we commend today to God's love those who suffer at the hands of others in Manchester and elsewhere."

Among those seated in the pews of St Paul's Cathedral were almost 2,000 holders of the Order of the British Empire's awards, from Knights and Dames to those who have received a CBE, OBE or MBE.

2:41PM

Pictures: Armed soldiers in Downing Street this afternoon

An armed soldier outside Number 10 Downing Street - Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
An armed soldier outside Number 10 Downing Street Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
Downing Street soldier - Credit: Lauren Hurley/PA
An unusual sight at a famous landmark Credit: Lauren Hurley/PA
Armed soldiers downing street - Credit: Tim Ireland/AP
An armed soldier behind the gates of Downing Street Credit: Tim Ireland/AP

2:37PM

More than £1.5 million raised in a day to help victims

Several crowdfunding campaigns have been set up to raise funds for the families and loved ones of the victims of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on Monday evening - and more than £1.5 million has been donated by the public in less than a day. Click here for more details.

2:23PM

Reports: Off-duty female police officer killed in attack

An off-duty female police officer was among those killed in the Manchester attack, according to two BBC journalists.

The woman's husband is reportedly critically ill and her children were injured in the blast, which killed 22 people.

1:52PM

How do officials decide the UK terror threat level?

As Britain remains on a "critical" terror threat level, here's a quick look at how security officials decide the ranking:

UK terror threat level | How is it decided? 1:45PM

'Our deepest condolences go to those affected by this outrage': Statement from Salman Abedi's former school

Abedi was a pupil at Burnage Academy For Boys between 2009 and 2011, the school said in a statement.

It said: "We are a Manchester school. We feel the pain that Manchester feels. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Mancunians against terrorism in all its forms. Our deepest condolences go to all who have been affected by this outrage."

Burnage Academy for Boys
Burnage Academy for Boys

1:41PM

Chelsea cancel victory parade in wake of terror attack

Chelsea have cancelled Sunday's planned victory parade following security advice in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

The Blues had planned an open top bus tour to show off the Premier League trophy and hope to add the FA Cup in Saturday's final with Arsenal.

But following consultation with the authorities - and with the terror threat raised to "critical" - it has been determined "it would be inappropriate" for the parade to go ahead. Click here for more from Telegraph Sport.

1:38PM

Neighbours hear 'big boom' as police raid flats in Manchester city centre

A police raid is ongoing at a block of flats close to Manchester Piccadilly Station following Monday's attack in the city, reports Olivia Rudgard.

Residents described how armed police and men clad in balaclavas stormed the Granby House building, which one witness said contained flats being let out on Airbnb.

Resident Rebecca Taylor, a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan university, said she heard a "big boom" followed by two smaller thuds. 

"It shook the building. I was terrified - after what happened on Monday I thought it was a bomb." 

Around a dozen policeman, some armed, then went into the building along with some firefighters.

Police outside Granby House near Manchester Piccadilly station - Credit: CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP
Police outside Granby House near Manchester Piccadilly station Credit: CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/AFP

Louise Bolotin, a freelance journalist who lives in the building, described how the fire alarm went off before police stormed the building and broke into a flat on the third floor.

"I came running down the front staircase, six floors, and got to the front entrance and was met by a police officer in full-on tactical helmet, face mask, machine gun. I was expecting to see the fire brigade."

She added: "I said 'what's happening' and he just said 'out'."

Police from the Tactical Aid Unit enter Granby House - Credit: Ben Birchall/PA
Police from the Tactical Aid Unit enter Granby House Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

Police said the railway was briefly closed during the raid.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Officers have this afternoon carried out a search at an address in Manchester City Centre as part of the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena.

"That search is ongoing. In order to do this safely we briefly closed a railway line, but it has now been reopened."

12:55PM

Police chiefs 'confident' they know identity of all Manchester victims

Greater Manchester Police has said it is "confident" it knows the identity of all the people who died in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing. The force said in a statement:

"We are now confident that we know who all the people are, who have sadly lost their lives in the attack at the Manchester Arena.  

"We have made contact with all of the families and our specially trained officers are supporting them.  

"Due to the number of victims, forensic post-mortems are likely to take four to five days. After this we will be in a position to formally name the victims with guidance from the coroner."

12:34PM

Armed soldiers arrive on Britain's streets

Pictures are starting to reach us as off armed soldiers arriving on Britain's streets.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has announced that almost 1,000 military personnel are being deployed today as the country remains on critical terror alert.

British soldiers arrive by bus and head towards a building next to New Scotland Yard headquarters - Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
British soldiers arrive by bus and head towards a building next to New Scotland Yard headquarters Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
British soldiers enter a Ministry of Defence building - Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
British soldiers enter a Ministry of Defence building on Wednesday afternoon Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
Troops enter New Scotland Yard HQ - Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
Troops enter a building next to New Scotland Yard HQ Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP

11:48AM

Arrest took place moments before Queen was driven from Palace

The arrest happened shortly before the Queen was driven from the Palace for an engagement with the Duke of Edinburgh at St Paul's Cathedral.

They are attending a service to mark the centenary of the Order of the British Empire.

11:35AM

Pictured: Arrested man surrounded by police in The Mall

A witness said he saw the man surrounded by officers and handcuffed as he sat on the ground in The Mall at around 10.40am.

A police van arrived with lights flashing and drove him away.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the man was arrested in The Mall and a knife was recovered.

Nobody was injured and police were not treating it as a terror related incident. The man has been taken to a central London police station for questioning.

The man is surrounded by police as he is arrested near Buckingham Palace - Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph
The man is surrounded by police as he is arrested near Buckingham Palace Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

11:28AM

Breaking: Man with knife arrested outside Buckingham Palace

A man with a knife has been arrested near Buckingham Palace just moments before the Queen passed by in a car in an incident Scotland Yard said was not believed to be terror related.

11:04AM

Will the General Election be postponed and when will campaigning start again?

The Manchester terror attack prompted the UK’s political leaders to suspend campaigning with polling day just over two weeks away.  But what does this mean for the General Election? Political Correspondent Jack Maidment has the answers here.

Countdown to the General Election 10:57AM

Martyn Hett's heartbroken 'soulmate' confirms his death

Martyn Hett, whose scores of friends tweeted asking for the public to find him, has been confirmed dead by his 'soulmate', Russell Hayward.

Mr Hayward, his boyfriend with whom  he appeared on Come Dine With Me, tweeted: "We got the news last night that our wonderful, iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survice.

"He left the world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I'm in a really bad way so please forgive if I don't reply.

"Thankfully I have his wonderful and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will".

Click here to read more.

10:36AM

Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace cancelled

The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been cancelled today to redeploy police officers in the wake of the Manchester attack.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: "The decision has been taken in order to release the police who would otherwise be dealing with the road closures."

The New Guard, the RAF Queen's Colour Squadron, were due to process to the Palace from Wellington Barracks to replace the Old Guard in the traditional ceremony which attracts hundreds of tourists.

Police escort members of the Household Cavalry along The Mall on Wednesday morning as security is stepped up across the capital - Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA
Police escort members of the Household Cavalry along The Mall on Wednesday morning as security is stepped up across the capital Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA

10:36AM

Breaking: Three new arrests over Manchester bomb attack

Three men have been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the concert bomb attack, Greater Manchester Police said. It follows the arrest of a 23-year-old man yesterday.

 

10:28AM

Parliament public tours and events cancelled

Tours of the Houses of Parliament have been cancelled and nobody without a pass will be allowed onto the estate today following the decision to increase the terror threat level to critical last night, reports Kate McCann.

Security was stepped up in Westminster after the terror attack earlier this year which claimed the lives of five people including Pc Keith Palmer who was guarding the palace gates. 

Authorities announced this morning that Carriage Gates, the main entrance to Parliament where PC Palmer was stabbed to death, will be closed today and passholders will have to use another entrance to get into work. 

Emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London, after policeman has been stabbed - Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA
Emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster in March after Pc Keith Palmer was killed Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Anyone without a pass will not be allowed to enter Parliament at all. Usually escorted visitors are allowed at certain times of the day and tourists can pay for guided tours of the estate. 

All events due to take place in the palace today have also been cancelled and a further update will be sent later today, security sources confirmed. 

10:21AM

London mayor on armed soldiers on streets of capital

As the military prepare to guard sites around the capital, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has addressed concerns over the critical threat level.

9:56AM

How DO you explain the horrors of terrorism to children?

The British Red Cross has issued advice on how to support children following traumatic events.

Sarah Davidson, Head of Psychosocial at the charity, said:

“The key, when explaining an event such as a terrorist attack to children, is not going into detail. You shouldn’t lie but you also want to keep it low key.

"Offer a simple, direct explanation that is age appropriate. It’s fine to say, for example, that there was an explosion in town. Avoid euphemism and graphic detail. Keep it as simple as possible.

“It is really important to keep normal routines going, such as school and bed time.

“Some common signs that may signal a child’s distress include bed wetting, children becoming clingy, or afraid to go outdoors. Their sleep might be disturbed and their diet might change. You should watch out for children acting younger than their age.

“However, a presence of these signs doesn’t mean that your child isn’t coping – simply that they may need more support from their parents and carers. Like adults, children are fundamentally resilient. Reassure them that their home and school are safe places, and that these events, while tragic, rarely happen.”

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has also launched an appeal in partnership with Manchester City Council to raise funds for people affected by Monday's attack - the Manchester Emergency Fund to ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.

For more advice on how to explain the horrors of terrorism to children, click here.

9:51AM

Video: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outlines London security plan

9:41AM

'Manchester has a soul and a spirit that you'll never break'

Rob Mitchell-James, an actor and producer, said Manchester has "a soul that will never be broken".

The 46-year-old from Sandbach, outside Manchester, is attending a conference in the town hall today.

On his way to work, he said: "You just have to carry on. It's devastating. Words can't describe how anyone could carry out such an act. To think someone sat and planned that out.

"But Manchester has a soul and a spirit that you'll never break. Everyone came out to help, to volunteer, to give, and that's what Manchester is. It has a soul that will never be broken."

His comments echo the goosebump-inducing poem, This Is The Place, read by poet Tony Walsh at a vigil yesterday evening - listen to it below:

9:38AM

Arson attack on mosque hours after Manchester atrocity

Video has emerged of an arsonist setting fire to a mosque just hours after the attack on parents and children attending the Ariana Grande concert.

CCTV shows a man walking up to the front door and setting fire to it at around 3am. The clip shows large flames before a man runs away from the mosque.

Police have footage of a suspect approaching the building. He then leaves a bottle of fluid nearby, returns and sets it alight.

Hamad Mukhtar Irfani, a committee member at the mosque, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s absolutely disgusting. It’s a disgrace someone would do this. There is no place for this kind of thing.

“Of course it’s in relation to what happened earlier in the night, but I know, you know and I hope everyone knows it’s barbaric people who do that kind of attack on innocent people."

Mike Jones/Mercury Press - Credit: Mike Jones/Mercury Press
Credit: Mike Jones/Mercury Press

9:07AM

French official: Abedi has 'proven' links with Islamic State

Despite Ms Rudd saying that it is unclear if Abedi has links to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), French interior minister Gerard Collomb has said the Manchester bomber is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with the terror group.

9:05AM

Up to 3,800 troops can be deployed across UK

Amber Rudd has confirmed that up to 3,800 soldiers can be deployed across the UK.

The West Midlands and West Yorkshire forces both said they had no immediate plans to make use of the military support. Greater Manchester has yet to decide.

8:56AM

Victims, the parents who'd gone to collect their daughters

A Polish couple who had gone to Manchester Arena to collect their daughters has been named as the latest victims.

Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told a Polish radio station: "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe."

A spokesman for the country's foreign ministry said "at least two people have died and one person has been injured" but could not confirm any further details.

Angelika and Marcin Klis
Angelika and Marcin Klis

Yesterday, York University student Alex Klis said she was looking for her parents Angelika and Marcin, who had been missing since the attack.

In a post shared widely on Facebook she wrote: "Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they've been missing ever since the attack."

8:52AM

What does a 'critical' UK terror threat level mean?

After Theresa May raised Britain's terror threat to critical for the first time in 14 years, here's a reminder of the levels:

Explained | UK terror threat levels 8:45AM

Mosque attended by bomber condemns 'horrific' attack

The mosque attended by Salman Abedi - Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as Didsbury Mosque - has released a statement this morning condemning the "horrific" arena attack:

8:27AM

Hospital update: 20 victims remain in 'critical care'

20 people remain in "critical care" across Manchester with people suffering  from "horrific injuries" including major organ damage and potential loss of  limbs, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership  has said. 

8:22AM

Amber Rudd: Abedi likely not to have acted alone

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, is speaking on Radio 4's Today programme.

She has said that it is "likely" that Manchester bomber Salman Abedi "was not doing this on his own".

Ms Rudd also spoke of how Isil's claim of responsibility for the attack has not been confirmed.

She also disclosed that the intelligence services had been aware of British-born Abedi, who recently returned to the UK from a visit to Libya.

She told Sky News: "We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services".

7:59AM

Full statement from Scotland Yard on armed military patrols

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has increased police numbers and operations across the Capital with immediate affect.

The plans that have been in put in place reflect efforts by the MPS to protect London against the current threat from international terrorism.

The public will see more armed officers, working alongside their neighbourhood and specialist colleagues on proactive operations and targeted patrols, both on foot and in vehicles.

Locations of their deployments, types of tactics and numbers on duty will continually change to be the most effective and avoid predictability.

Those armed officers will also provide support to colleagues working on Project Servator. This tactic uses teams of specialist police officers who have been trained to spot the tell tale signs that a person may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance or committing other crime.

The approach is based on extensive research into the psychology of criminals and what undermines their activities.

As part of the pre-planned and tested deployment under Operation Temperer the military will be working under the MPS command structure to provide static armed guarding at key locations.

This will include Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers to carry out patrols.

7:53AM

Scotland Yard announces armed military guards at Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Westminster

The military will be providing armed guards for key locations across London including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster and embassies, Scotland Yard said.

7:41AM

Recap: The attack, the bomber, the response - what we know

Abedi, believed to have been born in Manchester and of Libyan descent, has been named as the suicide bomber.

The 22-year-old studied business at Salford University, but dropped out before completing his degree.

He is thought to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as Didsbury Mosque, along with his parents and siblings.

A family friend, who asked not to be named, described him as "normal" and said they were known to the Libyan community in the city.

He said: "He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

Abedi was named after armed officers carried out a raid and controlled explosion at an address in south Manchester where he was registered as living.

Elsewhere in the city, the first arrest was made in connection with the inquiry when a 23-year-old man was detained near a Morrisons in Chorlton.

The terror threat level was increased after investigations revealed he may not have acted alone.

Mrs May said Operation Temperer - allowing military personnel to take to the streets - is now in force.

She will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee at 9.30am on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, fears were growing for Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, a couple from South Shields, Eilidh MacLeod, from Barra in Scotland, Martyn Hett and Wendy Fawell.

All were believed to have been at the concert and have not been traced since the attack.

An injured woman is helped by police after the blast - Credit: Joel Goodman/LNP
An injured woman is helped by police after the blast Credit: Joel Goodman/LNP

The death of Saffie, the youngest known victim of the attack, was described by her headteacher as "heartbreaking".

Chris Upton, of Tarleton Community Primary School, said: "Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word."

On Tuesday Charlotte Campbell launched a desperate bid to find her daughter and made several emotional appeals on television.

She later said on Facebook: "RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far to soon go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much."

Another victim was named by her college as Ms Callander, who was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire.

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield was reported missing by relatives who appealed for help finding her.

Her partner, Ian Winslow, later said on Facebook: "Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.

"Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are."

Tributes were also paid to 26-year-old John Atkinson from Bury, who was named by friends on Facebook as an apparent victim.

Armed police outside the Manchester Arena on Monday night - Credit: Peter Byrne/PA
Armed police outside the Manchester Arena on Monday night Credit: Peter Byrne/PA
Vigil for victims of the Manchester victims - Credit: DARREN STAPLES/Reuters
Vigil for victims of the Manchester victims Credit: DARREN STAPLES/Reuters

The country's senior anti-terror police officer said there were "gaps in our knowledge" about Abedi which had led to the increased threat level.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "We are moving at pace, we are making arrests, we are doing searches but - not unsurprisingly - there are still gaps in our knowledge.

"Whilst we are chasing those gaps down, on a precautionary basis, based on that judgment, JTAC (the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre) have made this judgment about the threat level and we will respond in our policing stance to that decision."

Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said the raised level will support the "significant" resources the force has in place.

He also praised the "tremendous strength and resilience" shown in Manchester on Tuesday, adding: "We need this to continue in the difficult days ahead."

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