{{pp|small=yes}} {{Short description|2017 terrorist attack in the United Kingdom}} {{Use British English|date=June 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox civilian attack | title = Manchester Arena bombing | image = Manchester Arena exterior, (2) May19.jpg | alt = A view of the Manchester Arena in 2019. | caption = Manchester Arena in 2019 | map = {{Location map many | Greater Manchester | width = 280 | float = centre | label = Manchester Arena | position = right | background = | coordinates = {{coord|53|29|17.3|N|2|14|34|W}} }} | location = Manchester Arena<br />Manchester, England | coordinates = {{Coord|53|29|17|N|2|14|38|W|type:event|display=inline,title}} | date = {{Start date and age|2017|05|22|df=yes}} | time = 10:31 p.m. BST | timezone = UTC+01:00 | target = Concertgoers | type = Islamic terrorism, suicide bombing, mass murder | weapons = TATP nail bomb | fatalities = 23 (including the assailant) | injuries = 1,017{{Efn|Including 239 physically injured, 112 hospitalised individuals, and 778 due to psychological trauma}} | perps = *Salman Abedi (bomber) *Hashem Abedi (sourced explosive materials) | motive = Islamic extremism<ref name="MayJune04">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-may-statement-idUSL8N1J10GH|title=TEXT-UK Prime Minister May's statement following London attack|date=4 June 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=5 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604150824/http://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-may-statement-idUSL8N1J10GH|archive-date=4 June 2017}}</ref> {{Infobox event | title = | child = yes | convictions = '''Hashem:'''<br />Murder (x22), attempted murder,{{efn|Encompasses the 1,017 injured}} conspiracy to cause an explosion | verdict = Guilty on all counts | sentence = Life imprisonment (minimum term 55 years) }} }} Twenty-two people were killed and 1,017 injured in an Islamic terrorist suicide bombing in Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, on 22 May 2017. The attack was perpetrated by Islamic extremist Salman Abedi and aided by his brother, Hashem Abedi, at 22:31 following a concert by the American pop singer Ariana Grande. It was the deadliest act of terrorism and the first suicide bombing in the United Kingdom since the 7 July 2005 London bombings.
Carrying a large backpack, Abedi detonated an improvised explosive device containing triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and nuts and bolts serving as shrapnel. After initial suspicions of a terrorist network, police later said they believed Abedi had largely acted alone, but that others had been aware of his plans. In 2020, Hashem Abedi was tried and convicted for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment in August 2020 with a minimum term of 55 years, the longest ever imposed by a British court. A public inquiry released in 2021 found that 'more should have been done' by British police to stop the attack, while MI5 admitted it acted too slowly in dealing with Abedi.
Grande briefly suspended her tour and hosted a benefit concert on 4 June entitled One Love Manchester, raising a total of {{GBP|17}} million towards victims of the bombing. Islamophobic hate crimes increased in the Greater Manchester area following the attack, according to police. Prime Minister Theresa May formed the Commission for Countering Extremism in response to the bombing.
==Planning==
===Motive=== [[File:Didsbury mosque.jpg|thumb|upright|Abedi's family regularly attended the Didsbury Mosque.]]
Abedi's sister said her brother was motivated by the injustice of Muslim children dying in bombings stemming from the United States-led intervention in the Syrian civil war. A family friend of the Abedi's also remarked that Salman had vowed revenge at the funeral of Abdul Wahab Hafidah, who was run over and stabbed to death by a Manchester gang on 12 May 2016 and was a friend of Salman and his younger brother Hashem. Hashem later co-ordinated the Manchester bombing with his brother.<ref>[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11863098 Sister reveals motives of Manchester massacre monster] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717155934/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11863098 |date=17 July 2017 }}. ''New Zealand Herald'' (25 May 2017). Retrieved 22 May 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-41277171 Abdul Hafidah murder: Gang sentenced for Moss Side killing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007044807/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-41277171 |date=7 October 2020 }}. BBC (15 September 2017). Retrieved 22 May 2020.</ref> During the police investigation, they uncovered evidence that the two had participated in the Libyan civil war and had met with members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Police uncovered photographs with the brothers alongside the sons of Abu Anas al-Libi, a high ranking Al-Qaeda fighter in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pidd|first1=Helen|title=How family and Libya conflict radicalised Manchester Arena bomber|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/02/how-family-libya-conflict-radicalised-manchester-arena-bomber|access-date=2 March 2023|work=The Guardian|date=2 March 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302155536/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/02/how-family-libya-conflict-radicalised-manchester-arena-bomber}}</ref>
The Islamic State (ISIS) released a statement on the messaging app Telegram on 23 May claiming responsibility. In the statement, ISIS said that a "soldier of the Khilafah" detonated an explosive amidst a crowd of 'the crusaders in the British city of Manchester'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-arena-attack-isis-responsible-claim-suicide-bombing-islamic-state-ariana-grande-concert-fans-killed-a7751221.html |title=Manchester Arena attack: Isis claims responsibility for suicide bombing that killed at least 22 people |date=23 May 2017 |last=Dearden |first=Lizzie |work=The Independent |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513050804/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-arena-attack-isis-responsible-claim-suicide-bombing-islamic-state-ariana-grande-concert-fans-killed-a7751221.html |url-status=live }}</ref> United States director of national intelligence Dan Coats said—before the Senate Armed Services Committee—that ISIS frequently claims responsibility and the United States could not confirm their claims. Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Ali Soufan noted the inaccuracy in their statement and suggested their media apparatus was weaker than usual; the statement claims that the bomb exploded in the middle of the arena, not its foyer.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |title=ISIS Claims Responsibility for Manchester Concert Terrorist Attack |date=23 May 2017 |last1=Samuelson |first1=Kate |last2=Malsin |first2=Jared |magazine=Time |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513050804/https://time.com/4790201/isis-manchester-concert-terrorist-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Then French interior minister Gérard Collomb said in an interview with BFM TV that Abedi may have been to Syria, and had "proven" links with ISIS.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/french-interior-minister-salman-abedi-had-proven-links-with-islamic-state/|first=Saim|last=Saeed|title=French interior minister: Salman Abedi had 'proven' links with Islamic State|work=politico.eu|date=24 May 2017|access-date=1 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524124439/http://www.politico.eu/article/french-interior-minister-salman-abedi-had-proven-links-with-islamic-state/|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref>
An investigation by Greater Manchester Police into a report by the BBC that an imam of the Didsbury Mosque, where Abedi and his family were regulars, had made a call for armed jihad 10 days before Abedi bought his concert ticket, found that no offences had been committed.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44729727|title=Mosque Sermon 'Called for Armed Jihad' |last1=Titheradge |first1=Noel |first2=Ed |last2=Thomas |date=16 August 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001182630/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44729727 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/16/police-investigate-links-between-arena-bomber-and-manchester-imam|title=Manchester police investigate arena bomber's links to imam|last=Pidd|first=Helen|date=16 August 2018|website=The Guardian |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020033/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/16/police-investigate-links-between-arena-bomber-and-manchester-imam|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-47040825 |title=Didsbury Mosque 'Military Jihad' Sermon Probe Ends |work=BBC Nes |date=29 January 2019 |access-date=13 November 2024 }}</ref>
===Reconnaissance=== According to German police sources, Abedi transited through Düsseldorf Airport on his way home to Manchester from Istanbul four days before the bombing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Huggler |first=Justin |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/25/manchester-bomber-dusseldorf-four-days-attack-german-media-reports/ |title=Manchester bomber passed through Dusseldorf four days before the attack, German media reports |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=25 May 2017 |access-date=30 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530061033/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/25/manchester-bomber-dusseldorf-four-days-attack-german-media-reports/ |archive-date=30 May 2017 }}</ref> Abedi returned to Manchester on 18 May after a trip to Libya.<ref name="TheIndependentBomb">{{cite news |first=Lizzie |last=Dearden |title=Manchester attack: Salman Abedi 'made bomb in four days' after potentially undergoing terror training in Libya |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-bombing-salman-abedi-isis-libya-terror-training-militants-tatp-four-days-bomb-a7771391.html |newspaper=The Independent |publisher=Independent News & Media |location=London |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=4 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603185354/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-bombing-salman-abedi-isis-libya-terror-training-militants-tatp-four-days-bomb-a7771391.html |archive-date=3 June 2017 }}</ref> Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage identified Abedi multiple times prior to the bombing. On 18 May, at 18:14, CCTV footage first identified him leaving the Shudehill Interchange, briefly talking to a Manchester Arena worker before observing the queues and entrances within the City Room.{{Efn|The City Room is part of the Victoria Exchange Complex and also referred to as the foyer.}} Abedi was spotted in the City Room on 21 May at 18:53 and on 22 May at 18:34, approximately 30 minutes after Grande's performance began. In all three visits, Abedi was noted using his mobile phone and did not appear to carry an explosive.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=14}}
===Building the bomb=== thumb|Police outside the entrance of Granby House, inside which Abedi had assembled the device, on 24 May<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2020/march/a-man-who-conspired-with-his-brother-to-carry-out-a-terror-attack-that-killed-22-people-at-the-manchester-arena-has-been-jailed/ |title=A man who conspired with his brother to carry out a terror attack that killed 22 people at the Manchester Arena has been convicted |publisher=Greater Manchester Police |date=17 March 2020 |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122145337/https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2020/march/a-man-who-conspired-with-his-brother-to-carry-out-a-terror-attack-that-killed-22-people-at-the-manchester-arena-has-been-jailed/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
After returning to Manchester, Abedi bought bomb-making material, apparently constructing the acetone peroxide-based bomb by himself. It is known that many members of the ISIS Battar brigade trained people in bomb-making in Libya.<ref name="TheIndependentBomb"/> According to ''The New York Times'', the bomb was 'an improvised device made with forethought and care'. Metal nuts and screws were found, suggesting that it was intended to be a nail bomb. Images released by ''The New York Times'' show an explosive charge inside a lightweight metal container which was carried within a black vest or a blue Karrimor backpack. His torso was propelled by the blast through the doors to the arena, possibly indicating that the explosive charge was held in the backpack and blew him forward on detonation. A corroded 12-volt, 2.1 amp-hour lead acid battery manufactured by GS Yuasa was found at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/24/world/europe/manchester-arena-bomb-materials-photos.html |title=Found at the Scene in Manchester: Shrapnel, a Backpack and a Battery |date=24 May 2017 |last=Chivers |first=C.J. |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524174025/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/24/world/europe/manchester-arena-bomb-materials-photos.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A coroner's inquest suggested that the bomb was strong enough to kill people up to {{Convert|20|m|ft}} away.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/09/manchester-arena-bomb-designed-kill-largest-number-innocents |title=Manchester Arena bomb was designed to kill largest number of innocents |date=9 June 2017 |last=Pidd |first=Helen |work=The Guardian |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=10 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610042404/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/09/manchester-arena-bomb-designed-kill-largest-number-innocents |url-status=live }}</ref> Michael McCaul, a US representative and then chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee claimed that the bomb contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), described by McCaul as "a classic explosive device used by terrorists".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/25/manchester-bomb-same-explosive-paris-brussels-attacks-mike-mccaul |title=Manchester bomb used same explosive as Paris and Brussels attacks, says US lawmaker |date=25 May 2017 |last=Doherty |first=Ben |work=The Guardian |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409101701/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/25/manchester-bomb-same-explosive-paris-brussels-attacks-mike-mccaul |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Bombing== thumb|The City Room, pictured in 2020 after renovations
The concert began at around 19:35.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/world/europe/uk-manchester-attack-survivors.html |title=In Manchester, a Loud Bang, Silence, Then Screaming and Blood |date=23 May 2017 |last1=Yeginsu |first1=Ceylan |last2=Smith |first2=Rory |last3=Castle |first3=Stephen |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509052901/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/world/europe/uk-manchester-attack-survivors.html |url-status=live }}</ref> From approximately 20:30 to 20:51, Abedi moved from the Shudehill Interchange to the City Room, moving towards the men's toilet on the Victoria station concourse at 20:36 and departing at 20:48. During his visit to the toilet, he was seen by two British Transport Police (BTP) community support officers and two Showsec security guards. Using the station concourse lift, he made his way towards the City Room.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=16}} From 20:51 to 21:10, he was spotted by a Showsec employee for less than ten seconds on the mezzanine of the City Room before moving back towards the tram platform at 21:13. While in the City Room, Abedi hid in a spot that was not covered by the arena's CCTV system.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=17}} Abedi made his final journey towards the City Room at 21:29, arriving at 21:33. Abedi was spotted by a person who was hired to prevent illegal screen recordings of the concert—by 22:00. She said that she had informed a BTP constable of Abedi's presence, who stated that she had no recollection of such a conversation.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=19}}
thumb|A video from a concertgoer showing the inside of the arena immediately after the bombing
Grande began performing at 21:00 and the concert drew to a close shortly before 22:30. According to a Libyan official, Abedi spoke with his younger brother, Hashem, on the phone about 15 minutes before the attack was carried out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/europe/manchester-terror-attack-uk/index.html|title=Manchester bomber spoke to brother before attack|last1=Smith-Spark|first1=Laura|last2=Gorani|first2=Hala|publisher=CNN|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526122050/http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/europe/manchester-terror-attack-uk/index.html|archive-date=26 May 2017}}</ref> Five BTP constables were scheduled to patrol the Victoria Exchange Complex, although only four were in attendance by the time of the bombing. None of the four constables were present in the City Room between 22:00 and 22:31; two constables had left on their dinner break.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/cops-who-went-kebab-during-21492386 |title=Cops who went for a kebab during a two-hour dinner break on the night of Arena bomb swerve watchdog probe |date=7 September 2021 |last=Scheerhout |first=John |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=8 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108235835/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/cops-who-went-kebab-during-21492386 |url-status=live }}</ref> The police constables had ignored briefings to stagger their breaks during the concert and had ignored instructions to be in place at the City Room entrance of the arena 30 minutes prior to the end of the concert.<ref name=BBCSep21>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-58428898|title=Manchester Arena bomb: Three PCs on duty face internal investigations|date=3 September 2021|work=BBC News|accessdate=8 November 2022}}</ref><ref name=ManNews21>{{cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/cops-who-went-kebab-during-21492386|title=Cops who went for a kebab during a two-hour dinner break on the night of Arena bomb swerve watchdog probe|date=7 September 2021|work=Manchester Evening News|accessdate=8 November 2022}}</ref> Although Showsec expected an egress and a supervisor was present in the City Room between 22:08 and 22:17, the supervisor did not go up to the mezzanine and did not spot Abedi. Abedi was spotted again at 22:12 by another member of the public, who asked what he had in his bag. He was concerned that the bag may have contained a bomb after he did not answer and reported him, to which he was told that the BTP were already aware of Abedi. After being told of the concerns, a Showsec employee was afraid that he would be considered a racist and did not approach Abedi. While he attempted to get through on the radio, heavy radio traffic prevented him from reaching any other people.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=21-25}} As the concert ended, concert-goers left through the City Room, one of four entrances into the arena.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=12}} At 22:30, Abedi descended from the mezzanine.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=15}}
At exactly 22:31 (21:31 UTC), the nail bomb, weighing in excess of {{Convert|30|kg|lb}}, detonated in the City Room,{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021|p=15-16}} and 23 people, including Abedi, were killed and 239 more were injured physically.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-44129386 |title=Manchester Arena attack: Bomb 'injured more than 800' |date=16 May 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014937/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-44129386 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Casualties== <!-- NO LIST OF VICTIMS PLEASE PER TALK PAGE CONSENSUS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:2017_Manchester_Arena_bombing/Archive_2#RfC:_Should_the_victims_be_named.3F --><!--NOTE: there were TWENTY THREE dead, 22 victims and the bomber. It's not correct to speak of 22 dead people. 22 concert-goers, or victims; 23 people.--> An estimated 14,200 people were at the concert when the bomb exploded.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40118865 |title=Manchester One Love concert: 'Thousands make false ticket claims' |date=1 June 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509040210/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40118865 |url-status=live }}</ref> The explosion killed the attacker along with 22<!-- Consensus is to phrase this along the lines of "23, including the attacker", as opposed to "22, excluding the attacker". --> concert-goers and parents who were in the entrance waiting to pick up their children following the show; 119 people were initially reported as injured.<ref name="Metro.uk">{{cite web |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/23/12-children-under-16-are-among-manchester-terror-attack-injured-6655858/ |title=Twelve children under 16 are among Manchester terror attack injured |first=Nicole |last=Morley |date=23 May 2017 |website=Metro |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2017 |quote=22 people have been killed and 59 were taken to hospital following the blast. 119 people were injured in total.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523154239/http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/23/12-children-under-16-are-among-manchester-terror-attack-injured-6655858/ |archive-date=23 May 2017 }}</ref><ref name="GdnSing" /> This number was revised by police to 250 on 22 June, with the addition of severe psychological trauma and minor injuries.<ref name="250Injured">{{Cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/number-people-injured-manchester-arena-13223904 |title=Number of people injured in Manchester terror attack rises to 250|last=Abbit|first=Beth|date=22 June 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622155426/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/number-people-injured-manchester-arena-13223904|archive-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> In May 2018, the number of injured was revised to 800.<ref name="800Injured">{{cite web |title=Arena bomb 'injured more than 800'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-44129386 |website=BBC News |access-date=16 May 2018 |date=16 May 2018 |archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014937/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-44129386 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the public inquiry into the bombing, it was updated in December 2020 to 1,017 people sustaining injuries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Manchester Arena Public Inquiry |date=7 December 2020 |title=Manchester Arena Public Inquiry, Day 44 |url=https://files.manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/live/uploads/2020/12/07182655/MAI-Day-44.pdf|url-status=live |access-date=18 July 2021 |archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003025132/https://files.manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/live/uploads/2020/12/07182655/MAI-Day-44.pdf}}</ref> A study published in September 2019 said that 239 of the injuries were physical.<ref name="nlm">{{cite journal |pmc=6788223 |date=2019 |last1=French |first1=P. |last2=Barrett |first2=A. |last3=Allsopp |first3=K. |last4=Williams |first4=R. |last5=Brewin |first5=C.R. |last6=Hind |first6=D. |last7=Sutton | first7=R. |last8=Stancombe |first8=J. |last9=Chitsabesan |first9=P. |title=Psychological screening of adults and young people following the Manchester Arena incident |journal=BJPsych Open |volume=5 |issue=5 |page=e85 |doi=10.1192/bjo.2019.61 |doi-access=free |pmid=31533867 }}</ref> The dead included ten people aged under 20; the youngest victim was an eight-year-old girl and the oldest was a 51-year-old woman.<ref name="GdnSing">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/go-sing-with-the-angels-families-and-friends-pay-tribute-to-manchester-victims|title=Go sing with the angels: families pay tribute to Manchester victims|last=Topping|first=Alexandra|date=24 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525171256/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/go-sing-with-the-angels-families-and-friends-pay-tribute-to-manchester-victims|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> Of the 22 victims, twenty were from Britain and two were UK-based Polish nationals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-victims-named-dead-terror--13080028|first=Alex|last=Pesic|title=These are the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack|date=29 May 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616133649/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-victims-named-dead-terror--13080028|archive-date=16 June 2017}}</ref> Police and family of 29-year-old victim Martyn Hett, who was {{Convert|4|m}} away from the blast and after whom Martyn's Law was named, stated that due to the severity of the explosion, he could only be identified by a tattoo of Deirdre Barlow on his leg.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Bea |date=24 May 2017 |title=Come Dine with Me and Tattoo Fixers star Martyn Hett killed in Manchester terror attack |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a829088/martyn-hett-killed-ariana-grande-concert-manchester-terror-attack/ |work=Digital Spy |quote=I love you Martyn. I always will. |access-date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303033030/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a829088/martyn-hett-killed-ariana-grande-concert-manchester-terror-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gardham |first=Duncan |date=14 September 2020 |title=Manchester arena bombing: 'We identified him by Deirdre Barlow tattoo' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/manchester-arena-bombing-we-identified-him-by-deirdre-barlow-tattoo-8dgc0xpgl |work=The Times |quote=Family pay tribute to son who was social media star |access-date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303033028/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/manchester-arena-bombing-we-identified-him-by-deirdre-barlow-tattoo-8dgc0xpgl |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Response and relief== {{Main|Reactions to the Manchester Arena bombing}} ===Police response=== ====British Transport Police==== Within a minute of the bombing, a police constable sent a radio message saying 'We need more people at Victoria, we just had a loud bang', through the BTP channel. Two sergeants were in the Peninsula Building and ran towards the arena when they heard the explosion. One of them called for a sitrep at 22:33. At 22:34, the BTP command centre was told that there were 'at least twenty casualties' and the explosion was 'definitely [caused by] a bomb'. BTP's command centre called for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and the Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The first vehicle arrived at 22:34. A BTP constable confirmed the location at 22:39 as the 'ticket office in the arena' and said there were 60 casualties.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2022|p=301-303}}
====Greater Manchester Police==== At 22:31:52, the first 999 call reporting a bombing at the arena was made by an injured bystander. The second call, placed at 22:32:40, incorrectly stated that there were gunshots alongside the explosion. The force duty officer on the night of the attack became aware of the bombing at 22:34 and immediately deployed firearms officers. He arrived on the adjacent Trinity Way by 22:39 and communicated that the attack may have been a fireworks display at 22:39:30. A separate firearms officer said that there were 'major casualties' at 22:41 and mentioned Operation Plato, the response to a marauding terrorist attack (MTA). At 22:42:44, the first two GMP officers were spotted on CCTV through the lower doors on Trinity Way, while three arrived through the Victoria station.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2022|p=324-327}} Operation Plato was declared at 22:47,{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2022|p=329}} and a 'major incident' was declared at 23:04.{{Sfn|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2022|p=331}} At 01:32, a precautionary controlled explosion was carried out on a suspicious item in Cathedral Gardens.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40007886 |title=Manchester Arena blast: 19 dead and more than 50 hurt |date=23 May 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529174200/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40007886 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Ambulance service response=== At 22:32, a member of the public made a 999 call about the explosion and identified where he was, the foyer, and the location of the detonation. The North West Ambulance Service reported that 60 of its ambulances attended the scene, carried 59 people to local hospitals and treated walking wounded on site.{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=5}} Michael Daley, an off-duty consultant anaesthetist was entered into the British Medical Journal's book of valour for his bravery in June 2017.{{Sfn|Gulland|2017|p=1}} Of those hospitalised, 12 were children under the age of 16.<ref name="Metro.uk" /> In total, 112 people were hospitalised for their injuries and 27 were treated for injuries that did not require hospitalisation. Out of this total of 139, 79 were children.<ref name="GdnExdradit"/>
===Government aid and response=== {{Quote box | width = 35em | align = right | quote = All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives. | source = —Theresa May, 23 May 2017<ref name="GuardianMay" /> }} Prime Minister Theresa May spoke in front of 10 Downing Street to condemn the 'sickening cowardice' of the attack. She then travelled to Manchester with Home Secretary Amber Rudd.<ref name="GuardianMay">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/theresa-may-leads-condemnation-of-cowardly-manchester-attack |title=Theresa May leads condemnation of 'cowardly' Manchester attack |date=23 May 2023 |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |last2=Elgot |first2=Jessica |work=The Guardian |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531063101/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/theresa-may-leads-condemnation-of-cowardly-manchester-attack |url-status=live }}</ref> That morning, May led an emergency Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meeting. The meeting raised the United Kingdom's threat level to 'critical', its highest level. On 27 May, the threat level was reduced to 'severe', its previous status.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40069959 |title=Manchester attack: Terror threat reduced from critical to severe |date=27 May 2023 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712191818/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40069959 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Multiple image | image1 = Operation Temperer May 2017 (1).jpg | alt1 = | width1 = 150 | image2 = Operation Temperer May 2017 (2).jpg | alt2 = | width2 = 150 | footer = Operation Temperer deployed more than a thousand military personnel at high-profile locations in London, such as the Palace of Westminster (left) and Downing Street (right).{{Sfn|Gearson|Berry|2021|p=19}} | align = left | total_width = 300 | footer_align = left | direction = | caption1 = | caption2 = }}
The bombing set into motion Operation Temperer for the first time since it was put into place following the ''Charlie Hebdo'' shooting in January 2015. Two days after the attack, a total of 984 military personnel were deployed across London, including at high-profile locations, including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Ministry of Defence Main Building, and some nuclear sites. Tours of the Palace of Westminster and the guard-changing ceremony at Buckingham Palace were cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/world/europe/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi.html |title=Hunt for Manchester Bombing Accomplices Extends to Libya |date=24 May 2017 |last1=Bennhold |first1=Katrin |last2=Castle |first2=Stephen |last3=Ali Zway |first3=Suliman |work=The New York Times |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524151028/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/world/europe/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A total of 1,400 personnel were deployed by 30 May, when the operation was deactivated. The Commission for Countering Extremism was created in the aftermath of the bombing.<ref name="PeckExtremism">{{cite news |last=Peck |first=Tom |title=Theresa May to set up commission for countering extremism |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-conservative-manchester-attack-general-election-2017-commission-countering-extremism-a7759486.html |access-date=18 March 2018 |work=The Independent |date=27 May 2017 |archive-date=19 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319091651/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-conservative-manchester-attack-general-election-2017-commission-countering-extremism-a7759486.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2017, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said that Theresa May had intended to only pay {{GBP|12}} million of the {{GBP|28}} million estimated to help the city rebuild, leading to criticism.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-manchester-terror-attack-fully-cover-costs-andy-burnham-ariana-grande-arena-latest-a8078006.html |title=Theresa May U-turns on Manchester terror attack funding by 'vowing to fully cover costs' |date=27 November 2017 |last=Buchan |first=Lizzy |work=The Independent |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513064822/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-manchester-terror-attack-fully-cover-costs-andy-burnham-ariana-grande-arena-latest-a8078006.html |url-status=live }}</ref> May later fully reimbursed the city of Manchester in January 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-42808483 |title=Manchester Arena attack: Theresa May announces payout package |date=24 January 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513064720/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-42808483 |url-status=live }}</ref> A study published in the ''American Political Science Review'' in 2021 observed May's approval ratings following the bombing. Although the researchers expected a result indicative of the rally 'round the flag effect—in which the approval ratings of a political leader increases in the wake of a crisis or war—May's approval ratings decreased. The researchers suggested that May's gender played a role in the public's response, writing that female leaders 'cannot count on rallies following major terrorist attacks'.{{Sfn|Holman|Merolla|Zechmeister|2021|p=1-2}} The GMP reported a surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the wake of the bombing.<ref name="Gdn22617">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/22/islamophobic-attacks-manchester-increase-arena-attack|title=Islamophobic attacks in Manchester surge by 500% after arena attack|last=Halliday|first=Josh|date=22 June 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707155802/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/22/islamophobic-attacks-manchester-increase-arena-attack|archive-date=7 July 2017}}</ref>
Various British figures and politicians expressed condolences following the bombing. Queen Elizabeth II visited Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to meet with victims on 25 May, calling it 'very wicked' to attack children.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/queen-elizabeth-ii-visits-victims-manchester-arena-attack/story?id=47634755 |title=Queen Elizabeth II visits victims of the Manchester Arena attack in hospital |date=25 May 2017 |last=Kindelan |first=Katie |publisher=ABC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513053245/https://abcnews.go.com/International/queen-elizabeth-ii-visits-victims-manchester-arena-attack/story?id=47634755 |url-status=live }}</ref> Burnham said the attack was 'evil'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/manchester-attack-mayor-andy-burnham-says-spirit-of-manchester-will-prevail-after-evil-act-a3545916.html |title=Manchester attack: Mayor Andy Burnham says spirit of city will prevail after 'evil act' |date=23 May 2017 |last=Powell |first=Tom |work=London Evening Standard |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523095334/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/manchester-attack-mayor-andy-burnham-says-spirit-of-manchester-will-prevail-after-evil-act-a3545916.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Thousands, joined by Rudd, Burnham and then Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, gathered in Albert Square to remember the victims. Bishop of Manchester David Walker lit a candle at the vigil.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40019546 |title=Manchester attack: Albert Square 'vigil of peace' |date=23 May 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513054941/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40019546 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack and called it 'horrific'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-arena-bombing-everything-we-know-suicide-attack-killed-injured-ariana-grande-concert-isis-al-qaeda-a7751031.html |title=Manchester Arena bombing: Everything we know about the suicide attack that killed at least 22 people |date=23 May 2017 |last=Dearden |first=Lizzie |work=The Independent |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513053245/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-arena-bombing-everything-we-know-suicide-attack-killed-injured-ariana-grande-concert-isis-al-qaeda-a7751031.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A national minute's silence was observed on 25 May; in St Ann's Square, the silence ended with a round of applause followed by Oasis' 'Don't Look Back in Anger'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40041473 |title=Manchester attack: National minute's silence held |date=25 May 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513055124/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-40041473 |url-status=live }}</ref> The attack occurred two weeks before the 2017 United Kingdom general election; campaign activities by the Labour and Conservative parties were suspended.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/23/general-election-campaigning-suspended-after-manchester-attack |title=General election campaigning suspended after Manchester attack |date=22 May 2017 |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |last2=Claire |first2=Phipps |work=The Guardian |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523040412/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/23/general-election-campaigning-suspended-after-manchester-attack |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Wide image|St Ann's Square floral tribute panorama (01).jpg|800px|Panoramic view of the floral tribute in St Ann's Square}}
===International reaction=== {{Tweet | image = | name = Ariana Grande | username = ArianaGrande | date = 23 May 2017 | text = broken.<br />from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words. | reference = <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/manchester-concert-explosion/ariana-grande-tweets-feeling-broken-after-deadly-manchester-arena-bombing-n763446 |title=Ariana Grande Tweets Feeling 'Broken' after Deadly Manchester Arena Bombing |date=23 May 2017 |last=Ortiz |first=Eric |publisher=NBC News |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510153106/https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/manchester-concert-explosion/ariana-grande-tweets-feeling-broken-after-deadly-manchester-arena-bombing-n763446 |url-status=live }}</ref> | left = y }} International reactions came from many countries and political leaders after the bombing, including from US president Donald Trump, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, German chancellor Angela Merkel, French president Emmanuel Macron, president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Chinese president Xi Jinping, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar ordered all flags on government buildings be flown at half-mast. Pope Francis offered his condolences.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/manchester-arena-shock-disbelief-police-confirm-19-killed-terrorist/ |title='An attack on innocents': World reacts with shock and horror to Manchester explosion |date=23 May 2017 |last1=Palazzo |first1=Chiara |last2=Burke |first2=Louise |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523041942/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/manchester-arena-shock-disbelief-police-confirm-19-killed-terrorist/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Ariana Grande tweeted a sympathy message on 23 May, becoming the most-liked tweet on Twitter until former US president Barack Obama's tweet following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/barack-obama-tweet-nelson-mandela-charlottesville-most-liked-1202150026/ |title=Barack Obama's Charlottesville Tweet Is Most-Liked Ever; Quotes Nelson Mandela |date=16 August 2017 |last=Evans |first=Greg |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204554/https://deadline.com/2017/08/barack-obama-tweet-nelson-mandela-charlottesville-most-liked-1202150026/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Us Weekly'' reported that Grande returned to her home in Florida and immediately paused her Dangerous Woman Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-suspends-tour-after-manchester-attack-128134/ |title=Ariana Grande Suspends Tour after Manchester Attack |date=23 May 2017 |last=Blisten |first=Jon |work=Rolling Stone |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128040844/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-suspends-tour-after-manchester-attack-128134/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2018 interview with British ''Vogue'', Grande said she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKenzie |first=Sheena |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/05/health/ariana-grande-ptsd-vogue-interview-intl/index.html |title=Ariana Grande Talks about Her PTSD after Manchester Attack |date=5 June 2018 |publisher=CNN |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513062910/https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/05/health/ariana-grande-ptsd-vogue-interview-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
====One Love Manchester==== {{Main|One Love Manchester}}
On 30 May, Grande announced a benefit concert entitled ''One Love Manchester'' for the We Love Manchester emergency fund established by Manchester City Council and the British Red Cross. The concert, which was held at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on 4 June, featured Grande, pop group Take That, singer Miley Cyrus, rapper Pharrell Williams, Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan formerly of One Direction and R&B singer Usher. Free tickets were given to attendees of the Manchester Arena show.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40086336 |title=Ariana Grande to play Manchester benefit concert on Sunday |date=30 May 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531130856/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40086336 |url-status=live }}</ref> By 5 June, the concert had raised {{USD|13}} million.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4805251/ariana-grande-manchester-benefit-concert-fundraising/ |title=Ariana Grande's Manchester Benefit Concert Raised $13 Million for Victims of the Attack |date=5 June 2017 |magazine=Time |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513061617/https://time.com/4805251/ariana-grande-manchester-benefit-concert-fundraising/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional money was raised through a re-release of Grande's 2014 single "One Last Time" as a charity single, as well as a cover of "Over the Rainbow" from ''The Wizard of Oz'' (1939).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/families-of-ariana-grande-concert-attack-victims-to-receive-324000-204445/ |title=Families of Ariana Grande Concert Attack Victims to Receive $324,000 |date=16 August 2017 |last=Blistein |first=Jon |work=Rolling Stone |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513061616/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/families-of-ariana-grande-concert-attack-victims-to-receive-324000-204445/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 June, Grande was made the first honorary citizen of Manchester.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-to-become-manchesters-first-honorary-citizen-198781/ |title=Ariana Grande to Become Manchester's First Honorary Citizen |date=14 June 2017 |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |work=Rolling Stone |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513061616/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-to-become-manchesters-first-honorary-citizen-198781/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Investigations and inquiries== The property in Fallowfield where Abedi lived was raided on 23 May. Armed police breached the house with a controlled explosion and searched it. Abedi's 23-year-old brother was arrested in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in south Manchester in relation to the attack.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/manchester-attack-bombing-suspect-named-as-salman-abedi-us-officials-say-a3546576.html|title=Manchester attack: Bombing suspect named as Salman Abedi, police confirm|last=Simpson|first=Fiona|work=London Evening Standard|location=London|date=23 May 2017|access-date=23 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523173941/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/manchester-attack-bombing-suspect-named-as-salman-abedi-us-officials-say-a3546576.html|archive-date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="FT-bomber-named" /> Police carried out raids in two other areas of south Manchester and another address in the Whalley Range area.<ref name="FT-bomber-named">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/59ee15dc-3fc5-11e7-82b6-896b95f30f58|title=Manchester suicide bomber named as 22-year-old from city|first1=Sam|last1=Jones|first2=Leila|last2=Haddou|first3=Andrew|last3=Bounds|work=Financial Times|date=23 May 2017|access-date=23 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606204257/https://www.ft.com/content/59ee15dc-3fc5-11e7-82b6-896b95f30f58|archive-date=6 June 2017}}</ref> Three other men were arrested, and police initially spoke of a network supporting the bomber;<ref name=bbc2504>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40032504|title=Manchester attack: Police hunt 'network' behind bomber|publisher=BBC News|date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524144125/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40032504|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> they later announced that Abedi had sourced all the bomb components himself and that they now believed he had largely acted alone.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/31/police-believe-manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-acted-largely-alone|title=Police believe Manchester bomber Salman Abedi largely acted alone|last=Pidd|first=Helen|date=31 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531010801/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/31/police-believe-manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-acted-largely-alone|archive-date=31 May 2017}}</ref> On 6 July, police said that they believed others had been aware of Abedi's plans.<ref name="Gdn7717">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/06/manchester-bombing-police-believe-salman-abedi-did-not-act-alone|title=Manchester bombing: police say Salman Abedi did not act alone|last=Parveen|first=Nazia|date=7 July 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707012340/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/06/manchester-bombing-police-believe-salman-abedi-did-not-act-alone|archive-date=7 July 2017}}</ref> A total of 22 people were arrested in connection with the attack, but had all been released without charge by 11 June following the police's conclusion that Abedi was likely to have acted alone,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Charlotte |date=11 June 2017 |title=All those arrested since Manchester Arena attack released without charge |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/those-arrested-manchester-arena-attack-13170282 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611162404/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/those-arrested-manchester-arena-attack-13170282 |archive-date=11 June 2017 |access-date=17 June 2017 |work=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> even though others may have been aware of his plans.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}}
Within hours of the attack, Abedi's name and other information given confidentially to security services in the United States and France were leaked to the press, leading to condemnation from Home Secretary Amber Rudd.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40026413|title=Manchester attack: US leaks about bomber irritating – Rudd|date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017|publisher=BBC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524114710/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40026413|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref><ref name=leaks>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/us-officials-leak-more-manchester-details-hours-after-uk-rebuke |title=US officials leak more Manchester details hours after UK rebuke |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 May 2017 |first1=Ewen |last1=MacAskill |first2=Julian |last2=Borger |location=London & Washington |access-date=24 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524153934/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/us-officials-leak-more-manchester-details-hours-after-uk-rebuke |archive-date=24 May 2017 }}</ref> Following the publication of crime scene photographs of the backpack bomb used in the attack in the 24 May edition of ''The New York Times'', United Kingdom counterterrorism police chiefs said the release of the material was detrimental to the investigation.<ref name="BBC 24 May 2017">{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40038630|title= Manchester attack: 'Fury' at US 'evidence' photos leak|date= 24 May 2017|publisher= BBC News|access-date= 24 May 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170524213432/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40038630|archive-date= 24 May 2017}}</ref> On 25 May, the GMP said it had stopped sharing information on the attack with the US intelligence services. Theresa May said she would make clear to then president Donald Trump that 'intelligence that has been shared must be made secure.'<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-40040210|title=Manchester attack: Police 'not sharing information with US'|date=25 May 2017|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525075547/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-40040210|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> Trump described the leaks to the news media as 'deeply troubling' and pledged to carry out a full investigation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40048565|title=Manchester attack: Trump condemns media leaks|date=25 May 2017|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525142202/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40048565|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> British officials blamed the leaks on 'the breakdown of normal discipline at the White House and in the US security services'.<ref name="GdnWHRift">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/25/white-house-rift-with-security-agencies-aided-manchester-bomb-leaks|title=White House rift with security agencies 'aided Manchester bomb leaks'|first1=Ewen|last1=MacAskill|first2=Julian|last2=Borger|location=London & Washington|date=25 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525194616/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/25/white-house-rift-with-security-agencies-aided-manchester-bomb-leaks|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' editor Dean Baquet declined to apologise for publishing the backpack bomb photographs, saying 'We live in different press worlds' and that the material was not classified at the highest level.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40067421|title=Manchester attack: Editor defends publishing leaked photos|date=27 May 2017|publisher=BBC News|access-date=27 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527011659/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40067421/manchester-attack-editor-defends-publishing-leaked-photos|archive-date=27 May 2017}}</ref> On 26 May, then United States secretary of state Rex Tillerson said the United States government accepted responsibility for the leaks.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. takes 'full responsibility' for Manchester intelligence leaks – Tillerson|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-security-manchester-tillerson-idUKKBN18M1E4|access-date=30 May 2017|work=Reuters|date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527095429/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-security-manchester-tillerson-idUKKBN18M1E4|archive-date=27 May 2017}}</ref>
A public inquiry into the attack was launched in September 2020. The first of three reports to be produced was a 200-page report published on 17 June 2021. It found that "there were a number of missed opportunities to alter the course of what happened that night" and that "more should have been done" by police and private security guards to prevent the bombing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Security Missed Chances to Stop Bombing at Ariana Grande Manchester Concert, Inquiry Finds |date=17 June 2021 |website=MSN.com |first=Richard |last=Smirke |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/security-missed-chances-to-stop-bombing-at-ariana-grande-manchester-concert-inquiry-finds/ar-AALaal4?li=BBnb7Kz |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200356/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/security-missed-chances-to-stop-bombing-at-ariana-grande-manchester-concert-inquiry-finds/ar-AALaal4?li=BBnb7Kz |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2022, it was reported that security services were 'struggling to cope' during the period leading up to the bombing. One MI5 officer told the inquiry that he had warned superiors that something might get through due to large numbers of documents needing processing. Intelligence that MI5 had before the attack and which might have led to Salman Abedi being placed under investigation was not passed to counter-terrorism police.<ref name="inquiry">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/15/mi5-had-intel-manchester-arena-bomber-posed-threat-inquiry-told |title=MI5 had intelligence Manchester Arena bomber posed threat, inquiry told|date=15 February 2022|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 February 2022 |archive-date=16 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216042940/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/15/mi5-had-intel-manchester-arena-bomber-posed-threat-inquiry-told |url-status=live |last=Wolfe-Robinson |first=Maya |last2=Dodd |first2=Vikram }}</ref> The Manchester Arena Inquiry published a press release announcing that the inquiry officially concluded on 8 June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manchester Arena Inquiry concludes – Manchester Arena Inquiry |url=https://manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/manchester-arena-inquiry-concludes/ |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608090439/https://manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/manchester-arena-inquiry-concludes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 October 2023, Coroner Sir John Saunders ruled that Salman Abedi's death was 'suicide while undertaking a terror attack'.<ref name="coroner_ruling">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-67143958 |title=Manchester bomber Salman Abedi murdered 22 in suicide attack, coroner rules |date=18 October 2023 |work=BBC News |access-date=19 October 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019004053/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-67143958 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 27 March 2018, a report by civil servant Bob Kerslake and commissioned by mayor Andy Burnham was published. The Kerslake Report was "an independent review into the preparedness for, and emergency response to, the Manchester Arena attack."{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=1}} In the report, Kerslake largely praised the Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police, and noted that it was 'fortuitous' that the North West Ambulance Service was unaware of the declaration of Operation Plato, a protocol under which all responders should have withdrawn from the arena in case of an active killer on the premises.{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=135}} However, it found that the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was "brought to a point of paralysis" as their response was delayed for two hours due to poor communication between the firefighters' liaison officer and the police force.{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=166}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pidd |first1=Helen |title=Kerslake findings: emergency responses to Manchester Arena attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/27/kerslake-report-manchester-arena-attack-police-fire-ambulance-and-media-responses-to-attack |access-date=11 August 2020 |agency=The Guardian |date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109021210/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/27/kerslake-report-manchester-arena-attack-police-fire-ambulance-and-media-responses-to-attack |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Jennifer |title=Kerslake Report into Manchester Arena bomb finds firefighters were held back by bosses for two hours on a night of 'extraordinary heroism' |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/kerslake-report-manchester-arena-bomb-14461431 |access-date=11 August 2020 |agency=Manchester Evening News |date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722102557/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/kerslake-report-manchester-arena-bomb-14461431 |url-status=live }}</ref> The report was critical of Vodafone for the catastrophic failure{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=138}} of an emergency helpline hosted on a platform provided by Content Guru, saying that delays in getting information caused "significant stress and upset" to families.{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=8}} It also criticised some news media, saying, 'To have experienced such intrusive and overbearing behaviour at a time of such enormous vulnerability seemed to us to be completely and utterly unacceptable', but noting that, 'We recognise that this was some, but by no means all of the media and that the media also have a positive and important role to play.'{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=9}}
===Salman Abedi=== thumb|Salman Abedi, bomber of Manchester Arena
The bomber, Salman Ramadan Abedi (31 December 1994 – 22 May 2017) was identified as a 22-year-old British Muslim of Libyan ancestry.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web |first1=Martin |last1=Evans |first2=Victoria |last2=Ward |first3=Robert |last3=Mendick |first4=Ben |last4=Farmer |first5=Hayley |last5=Dixon |first6=Danny |last6=Boyle |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/everything-know-salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber/ |title=Everything we know about Salman Abedi, the Manchester suicide bomber |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=26 May 2017 |access-date=26 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525235330/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/everything-know-salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber/ |archive-date=25 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/manchester-bombing-attack-salman-abedi-teenage-aggression-family-614358|title=The Manchester bomber was a promising young man who went off the rails, says a religious leader who knew him|last=Paton|first=Callum|date=23 May 2017|work=Newsweek|access-date=25 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524195149/http://www.newsweek.com/manchester-bombing-attack-salman-abedi-teenage-aggression-family-614358|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> According to US intelligence sources, Abedi was identified by the bank card that he had with him and the identification was confirmed using facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/manchester-concert-explosion/manchester-bombing-british-police-release-new-photos-suspect-salman-abedi-n765476|title=British police release new photos of arena bombing suspect |publisher=NBC News |access-date=27 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527214413/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/manchester-concert-explosion/manchester-bombing-british-police-release-new-photos-suspect-salman-abedi-n765476 |archive-date=27 May 2017}}</ref> He was born in Manchester to a Salafi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-manchester-bomber-grew-up-in-a-neighborhood-struggling-with-extremism/ |title=The Manchester bomber grew up in a neighborhood struggling with extremism|work=Vice.com|date=25 May 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525190723/https://news.vice.com/story/the-manchester-bomber-grew-up-in-a-neighborhood-struggling-with-extremism|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> family of Libyan-born refugees who had settled in south Manchester after fleeing to the United Kingdom to escape the government of Muammar Gaddafi. He had two brothers and a sister.<ref name="who was salman abedi">{{cite news |title=Manchester attack: Who was Salman Abedi? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40019135 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=24 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524072701/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40019135 |archive-date=24 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber-know/ |title=Salman Abedi named as the Manchester suicide bomber – what we know about him |last1=Evans |first1=Martin |last2=Ward |first2=Victoria |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=23 May 2017 |quote=his parents were Libyan refugees who came to the UK to escape the Gaddafi regime |access-date=23 May 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523180222/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber-know/ |archive-date=23 May 2017 }}</ref> Abedi grew up in Whalley Range and lived in Fallowfield.<ref name="telegrsalman">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber-know/ |title=Salman Abedi named as the Manchester suicide bomber – what we know about him |last1=Evans |first1=Martin |last2=Ward |first2=Victoria |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=23 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523180222/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/23/salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber-know/ |archive-date=23 May 2017 }}</ref> Neighbours described the Abedis as a very traditional and 'super religious' family,<ref>Connor, Richard (25 May 2017). [http://www.dw.com/en/manchester-bomber-a-life-on-the-move/a-38979272 Manchester bomber: A life on the move.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530111613/http://www.dw.com/en/manchester-bomber-a-life-on-the-move/a-38979272 |date=30 May 2017 }} Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 26 May 2017.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/92911194/the-face-of-hate-manchester-arena-attack-suspect-salman-abedis-home-raided |title=The face of hate': Manchester Arena attack suspect Salman Abedi's home raided, disturbing book found |date=24 May 2017 |publisher=Stuff |access-date=25 May 2017 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173054/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/92911194/the-face-of-hate-manchester-arena-attack-suspect-salman-abedis-home-raided |url-status=live }}</ref> who regularly attended Didsbury Mosque.<ref name="telegrsalman" /><ref name="guardmosque"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ian Cobain|last2=Frances Perraudin|last3=Steven Morris|last4=Nazia Parveen|title=Salman Ramadan Abedi named by police as Manchester Arena attacker|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande|access-date=27 May 2017|work=The Guardian|quote=Salman and his brother Ismail worshipped at Didsbury mosque, where their father, who is known as Abu Ismail within the community, is a well-known figure. "He used to do the five and call the adhan. He has an absolutely beautiful voice. And his boys learned the Qur'an by heart.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526212713/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande|archive-date=26 May 2017}}</ref> Abedi attended Wellacre Technology College, Burnage Academy for Boys<ref>{{cite news |last1=Devine |first1=Peter |title=Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi was former Wellacre pupil |url=https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/whereyoulive/15321454.manchester-arena-bomber-salman-abedi-was-former-wellacre-pupil/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=Messenger Newspapers |date=1 June 2017 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225081058/https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/whereyoulive/15321454.manchester-arena-bomber-salman-abedi-was-former-wellacre-pupil/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and The Manchester College. A former tutor remarked that Abedi was 'a very slow, uneducated and passive person'.<ref name=GMay26/> He was among a group of students at his high school who accused a teacher of Islamophobia for asking them what they thought of suicide bombers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dearden|first1=Lizzie|title=Salman Abedi once called RE teacher an 'Islamophobe' for asking his opinion of suicide bombers|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/salman-abedi-re-teacher-islamophobe-suicide-bombers-burnage-academy-for-boys-opinion-manchester-a7756611.html|access-date=26 May 2017|work=The Independent|date=26 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606082916/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/salman-abedi-re-teacher-islamophobe-suicide-bombers-burnage-academy-for-boys-opinion-manchester-a7756611.html|archive-date=6 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Simpson|first1=John|last2=Gibbons|first2=Katie|last3=Kenber|first3=Billy|last4=Trew|first4=Bel|title=Abedi called teacher an Islamophobe|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/education/article/killer-called-teacher-an-islamophobe-v9tgnkxd0|access-date=26 May 2017|work=The Times|date=26 May 2017|archive-date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526014958/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/killer-called-teacher-an-islamophobe-v9tgnkxd0|url-status=live}}</ref> He also reportedly said to his friends that being a suicide bomber 'was okay' and fellow college students raised concerns about his behaviour.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-banned-13092209|title=Salman Abedi banned from mosque and reported to authorities for extremist views|last=Fox|first=Aine|date=25 May 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408074036/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-banned-13092209|url-status=live}}</ref>
Abedi's father was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, a Salafi jihadist organisation proscribed by the United Nations,<ref name="un1267">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/NSQE01101E.shtml |title=QE.L.11.01. Libyan Islamic Fighting Group |publisher=United Nations Security Council Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee |date=23 August 2010 |access-date=9 August 2012 |archive-date=14 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814225812/http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/NSQE01101E.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> and father and son fought for the group in Libya in 2011 as part of the movement to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.<ref name="GMay26">{{Cite news |last=Addley |first=Esther |last2=Parveen |first2=Nazia |last3=Grierson |first3=Jamie |last4=Morris |first4=Steven |date=26 May 2017 |title=Salman Abedi: from hot-headed party lover to suicide bomber |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/26/salman-abedi-manchester-arena-attack-partying-suicide-bomber |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 }}</ref> Abedi's parents, both born in Tripoli, remained in Libya in 2011,<ref name="telegrsalman" /> while 17-year-old Abedi returned to live in the United Kingdom. He took a gap year in 2014, when he returned with his brother Hashem to Libya to live with his parents. Abedi was injured in Ajdabiya that year while fighting for an Islamist group.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/28/salman-abedi-manchester-arena-bomber-radicalisation How Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was radicalised by his links to Libya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020043/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/28/salman-abedi-manchester-arena-bomber-radicalisation |date=2 October 2018 }}. ''The Guardian'' (27 May 2017). Retrieved 26 October 2018.</ref> The brothers were rescued from Tripoli by the Royal Navy survey ship {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}} in August 2014 as part of a group of 110 British citizens as the Libyan civil war erupted, taken to Malta and flown back to the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/royal-navy-rescued-manchester-bomber-from-the-libyan-civil-war-11454899 |title=Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was rescued from Libyan civil war by Royal Navy|work=Sky News|date=31 July 2018|access-date=31 July 2018|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731045709/https://news.sky.com/story/royal-navy-rescued-manchester-bomber-from-the-libyan-civil-war-11454899|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45021513|title=Did MI5 miss chance to catch Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi?|work=BBC News|date=31 July 2018|access-date=31 July 2018|archive-date=1 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801063345/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45021513|url-status=live }}</ref> According to a retired European intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, Abedi met with members of the ISIS Battar brigade in Sabratha, Libya and continued to be in contact with the group upon his return to the UK.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Rukmini|last1=Callimachi|first2=Eric|last2=Schmit|title=Manchester bomber met with ISIS unit in Libya, officials say|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/03/world/middleeast/manchester-bombing-salman-abedi-islamic-state-libya.html|newspaper=The New York Times |date=3 June 2017 |access-date=4 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603225742/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/03/world/middleeast/manchester-bombing-salman-abedi-islamic-state-libya.html|archive-date=3 June 2017}}</ref> An imam at Didsbury mosque recalled that Abedi looked at him with hate after he preached against ISIS and Ansar al-Sharia in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cobain|first1=Ian|last2=Perraudin|first2=Frances |last3=Morris |first3=Steven |last4=Parveen|first4=Nazia|title=Salman Ramadan Abedi named by police as Manchester Arena attacker|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande|access-date=24 May 2017|work=The Guardian|date=23 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524003525/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref>
According to an acquaintance, Abedi was 'outgoing' and consumed alcohol,<ref name=cannabis>{{Cite news|title=Salman Abedi: How Manchester attacker turned from cannabis-smoking dropout to Isis suicide bomber|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/salman-abedi-manchester-attacker-isis-terrorist-europe-islamist-suicide-bomber-arena-explosion-a7753541.html|last=Dearden|first=Lizzie|date=24 May 2017|work=The Independent|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819204355/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/salman-abedi-manchester-attacker-isis-terrorist-europe-islamist-suicide-bomber-arena-explosion-a7753541.html|archive-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> while another said that he was a 'regular kid who went out and drank' until about 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everything we know about Salman Abedi, the Manchester suicide bomber|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/everything-know-salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525235330/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/everything-know-salman-abedi-named-manchester-suicide-bomber/|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> Abedi was also known to have used cannabis.<ref name="who was salman abedi" /><ref name="cannabis" /> He enrolled at the University of Salford in September 2014, where he studied business administration, before dropping out to work in a bakery.<ref name="who was salman abedi" /> Manchester police believe Abedi used student loans to finance the plot, including travel overseas to learn bomb-making.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Robert Mendick|last2=Martin Evans|last3=Victoria Ward|title=Exclusive: Manchester suicide bomber used student loan and benefits to fund terror plot|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/26/exclusive-manchester-suicide-bomber-used-student-loan-benefits/|access-date=27 May 2017|work=The Telegraph|quote=The Manchester suicide bomber used taxpayer-funded student loans and benefits to bankroll the terror plot, police believe. Salman Abedi is understood to have received thousands of pounds in state funding in the run up to Monday's atrocity even while he was overseas receiving bomb-making training.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527010434/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/26/exclusive-manchester-suicide-bomber-used-student-loan-benefits/|archive-date=27 May 2017}}</ref> ''The Guardian'' reported that despite dropping out from further education, he was still receiving student loan funding in April 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ian Cobain|last2=Ewen MacAskill|title=Police focus on Libya amid reports of arrest of Salman Abedi's brother|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/manchester-attack-police-focus-on-libya-as-salman-abedi-brother-arrested|access-date=27 May 2017|work=The Guardian|quote=Abedi studied business and management at Salford University two or three years ago, but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree. The Guardian understands he was receiving student loan payments as recently as last month.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527033654/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/manchester-attack-police-focus-on-libya-as-salman-abedi-brother-arrested|archive-date=27 May 2017}}</ref>
He was known to British security services and police but was not regarded as a high risk, having been linked to petty crime but never flagged up for radical views.<ref name="guardmosque">{{cite news |last=Cobain |first=Ian |last2=Perraudin |first2=Frances |last3=Morris |first3=Steven |last4=Parveen |first4=Nazia |date=23 May 2017 |title=Manchester Arena attacker named by police as Salman Ramadan Abedi |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523174251/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/23/manchester-arena-attacker-named-salman-abedi-suicide-attack-ariana-grande |archive-date=23 May 2017 |access-date=23 May 2017 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/police-reveal-manchester-attacker-salman-abedi-s-petty-criminal-past/story-iALPPyhtag37nTFGbchxhL.html|title=Police reveal Manchester attacker Salman Abedi's petty criminal past|work=Hindustan Times |date=30 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530191618/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/police-reveal-manchester-attacker-salman-abedi-s-petty-criminal-past/story-iALPPyhtag37nTFGbchxhL.html|archive-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> A community worker told the BBC he had called a hotline five years before the bombing to warn police about Abedi's views and members of Britain's Libyan diaspora said they had 'warned authorities for years' about Manchester's Islamist radicalisation.<ref name="bbc2504" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Stephen|first1=Chris|title=Libyans in UK 'warned about Manchester radicalisation for years'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/libyans-in-uk-warned-about-manchester-radicalisation-for-years|access-date=25 May 2017|work=The Guardian|date=24 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524222943/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/24/libyans-in-uk-warned-about-manchester-radicalisation-for-years|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> Abedi was allegedly reported to authorities for his extremism by five community leaders and family members and had been banned from a mosque;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/security-services-missed-five-opportunities-stop-manchester/|title=Security services missed five opportunities to stop the Manchester bomber|newspaper=The Telegraph|first1=Robert|last1=Mendick|first2=Gordon|last2=Rayner|first3=Martin|last3=Evans|first4=Hayley|last4=Dixon|date=25 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526021047/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/24/security-services-missed-five-opportunities-stop-manchester/|archive-date=26 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sharman|first1=Jon|title=Manchester attack: Members of the public 'reported Salman Abedi to anti-terror hotline'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-latest-public-reported-salman-abedi-terrorism-hotline-a7754621.html|access-date=26 May 2017|work=The Independent|date=25 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525031417/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-latest-public-reported-salman-abedi-terrorism-hotline-a7754621.html|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Fox|first1=Aine|last2=Abbit|first2=Beth|title=Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was banned from a mosque and reported to authorities for his extremist views|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-banned-13092209|date=25 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525161030/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bomber-salman-abedi-banned-13092209|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref> the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, however, said Abedi was not known to the Prevent anti-radicalisation programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/30/salman-abedi-unknown-prevent-workers-manchester-police|title=Salman Abedi was unknown to Prevent workers, says police chief|last=Perraudin|first=Frances|work=The Guardian|date=30 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530191024/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/30/salman-abedi-unknown-prevent-workers-manchester-police|archive-date=30 May 2017}}</ref>
On 29 May 2017, MI5 launched an internal inquiry into its handling of the warnings it had received about Abedi and a second, 'more in depth' inquiry, into how it missed the danger.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/29/europe/mi5-internal-inquiry-abedi/ |title=MI5 launches internal inquiry over Manchester bomber warnings |publisher=CNN |date=29 May 2017 |access-date=29 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605115324/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/29/europe/mi5-internal-inquiry-abedi |archive-date=5 June 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40080646 |title=Manchester attacks: MI5 probes bomber 'warnings' |publisher=BBC News |date=29 May 2017 |access-date=29 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529065526/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40080646 |archive-date=29 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/28/mi5-launches-inquiries-into-failings-on-manchester-arena-bomber-salman-abedi-moss-side-raids-amber-rudd|title=MI5 opens inquiries into missed warnings over Manchester terror threat|last=Dodd|first=Vikram|date=29 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530172400/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/28/mi5-launches-inquiries-into-failings-on-manchester-arena-bomber-salman-abedi-moss-side-raids-amber-rudd|archive-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> On 22 November 2018, the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament published a report which said that MI5 had acted 'too slowly' in its dealings with Abedi. The committee's report noted 'What we can say is that there were a number of a failings in the handling of Salman Abedi's case. While it is impossible to say whether these would have prevented the devastating attack on 22 May, we have concluded that as a result of the failings, potential opportunities to prevent it were missed.'<ref name="BBCreport">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46303812|title=MI5 'too slow' over Manchester Arena bomber|date=22 November 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=23 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122174944/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46303812|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Hashem Abedi=== Abedi's younger brother, Hashem (born 8 April 1997), was arrested by Libyan security forces on 23 May.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-security-manchester-libya-idUSKBN18K28M?il=0|title=Manchester bomber's father says he did not expect attack|work=Reuters|date=25 May 2017|access-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524214731/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-security-manchester-libya-idUSKBN18K28M?il=0|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> Hashem was suspected of planning an attack in Libya, was said to be in regular touch with Salman and was aware of the plan to bomb the arena,<ref name="WaPo-24-05-2017">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/british-prime-minister-raises-nations-threat-level-saying-another-attackmay-be-imminent/2017/05/24/dd5367e8-3fec-11e7-b29f-f40ffced2ddb_story.html|title=Manchester bombing probe expands with arrests on two continents|first1=Griff|last1=Witte|first2=Karla|last2=Adam|first3=Sudarsan|last3=Raghavan|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524074250/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/british-prime-minister-raises-nations-threat-level-saying-another-attackmay-be-imminent/2017/05/24/dd5367e8-3fec-11e7-b29f-f40ffced2ddb_story.html|archive-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> but not the date.<ref name=bbc6102>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40056102|title=Manchester attack: Police make tenth arrest|publisher=BBC News|date=26 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526071041/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40056102|archive-date=26 May 2017}}</ref> On 1 November 2017, the UK requested Libya to extradite Hashem to return to the United Kingdom, in order to face trial.<ref name="GdnExdradit">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/01/uk-requests-extradition-of-hashem-abedi-over-manchester-arena-attack|title=UK requests extradition of Hashem Abedi over Manchester Arena attack|last=Pidd|first=Helen|date=1 November 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=1 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102014449/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/01/uk-requests-extradition-of-hashem-abedi-over-manchester-arena-attack|archive-date=2 November 2017}}</ref>
On 17 July 2019, Hashem was charged with murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion. He had been arrested in Libya and extradited to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/17/hashem-abedi-brother-of-manchester-arena-bomber-being-extradited-to-uk|title=Manchester Arena bomber's brother held in UK after extradition|work=The Guardian|date=17 July 2019|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718043549/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/17/hashem-abedi-brother-of-manchester-arena-bomber-being-extradited-to-uk|url-status=live}}</ref> His trial began on 5 February 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51371530|title=Hashem Abedi: Manchester Arena attack brother 'equally guilty'|date=4 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020|work=BBC News|archive-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204225744/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51371530|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 March, Hashem Abedi was found guilty on 22 charges of murder, on the grounds that he had helped his brother to source the materials used in the bombing and had assisted with the manufacture of the explosives which were used in the attack.<ref name="Sentencing remarks">{{cite web |title=Sentencing Remarks of Mr Justice Jeremy Baker: R -v- Hashem Abedi |url=https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sentencing-remarks-of-mr-justice-jeremy-baker-r-v-hashem-abedi/ |website=www.judiciary.uk |publisher=Courts and Tribunals Judiciary |date=20 August 2020 |access-date=20 August 2020 |archive-date=22 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822214031/https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sentencing-remarks-of-mr-justice-jeremy-baker-r-v-hashem-abedi/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51926162 |title=Manchester Arena bombing: Hashem Abedi guilty of 22 murders |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=17 March 2020 |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317152317/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51926162 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 August, Hashem Abedi was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 55 years. The judge, Jeremy Baker, said that sentencing rules prevented him from imposing a whole life order as Abedi had been 20 years old at the time of the offence. The minimum age for a whole life order is 21 years old. Abedi's 55-year minimum term is the longest minimum term ever imposed by a British court.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53850642|title=Manchester Arena attack: Hashem Abedi jailed for minimum 55 years|work=BBC News|date=20 August 2020|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106210130/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53850642|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hashem-abedi-could-not-given-18801504|title=Why Hashem Abedi could not be given a whole life term as murderer avoids 'just sentence'|work=Manchester Evening News|date=20 August 2020|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821163851/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hashem-abedi-could-not-given-18801504|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 12 April 2025, Hashem Abedi attacked prison officers at HM Prison Frankland by throwing hot cooking oil on them, and stabbed them with makeshift weapons. Three officers were hospitalised with serious injuries. The incident occurred in a separation centre for prisoners regarded as dangerous and extremist. Abedi had previously been convicted for assaulting prison officers at HM Prison Belmarsh in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2025 |title=Hashem Abedi, Manchester Arena bomber, attacks prison officers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz95kggw7nxo |access-date=18 April 2025 |website=BBC.com }}</ref>
===Ismail Abedi=== In October 2021, it was reported that Abedi's older brother, Ismail, had left the United Kingdom. He had been summonsed by Judge John Saunders to testify before the public inquiry into the bombing. Saunders had refused Ismail's request for immunity from prosecution while testifying.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2021 |title=Manchester Arena Inquiry: Bomber's brother leaves UK before hearing |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-58966113|access-date=21 October 2021|archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021120608/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-58966113|url-status=live}}</ref> Ismail was found guilty ''in absentia'' of failing to comply with a legal notice and a warrant was issued for his arrest.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-62391278|title=Arrest warrant issued for bomber's brother |newspaper=BBC News |date=2 August 2022 |access-date=6 March 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923032740/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-62391278 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Aftermath== Manchester Arena was closed until 9 September, when it opened with a benefit concert featuring Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher alongside other acts from North West England.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |title=Manchester Arena: Noel Gallagher to headline reopening concert |date=16 August 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513063846/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40943849 |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Legislation=== {{Main|Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025}} <!-- will need an update when becomes an Act -->
In December 2022, Martyn's Law—a venue security law named after victim Martyn Hett—was expected to be introduced,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-64018123 |title=Manchester Arena attack: Martyn's Law for venue security to cover all of UK |date=19 December 2022 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513073919/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-64018123 |url-status=live }}</ref> but the legislation was not put to Parliament before the 2024 general election. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn's Law, was included in the King's speech at the 2024 State Opening of Parliament and was put before Parliament in September 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Syal |first1=Rajeev |title=Martyn's law to require terror safety plans at venues with 200-plus capacity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/sep/12/martyns-law-terror-safety-plans-venues-200-plus-capacity |access-date=14 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=12 September 2024}}</ref>
===Building security and considerations=== According to the Kerslake Report, security at the arena was insufficient. Although bag searches were performed, they were inconsistent; Abedi entered through the City Room, which was outside of the security zone.{{Sfn|Kerslake Arena Review|2018|p=35}}
===Conspiracy theorist=== In October 2024, two survivors of the bombing won a harassment case, in the High Court, against former television producer Richard Hall, who had claimed without evidence that the attack was an elaborate hoax by British government agencies and that no one was genuinely injured. High Court judge Mrs Justice Steyn said, in a written ruling, that the claimants had succeeded in their harassment claim. She added that a separate data protection claim would be decided at a later stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj0j8r8558yo|title=Manchester Arena bomb survivors win conspiracy harassment case|date=23 October 2024|website=BBC News}}</ref> In November 2024, the court awarded £45,000 in damages for the harassment, £22,500 to be paid to each survivor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grierson |first1=Jamie |title=Manchester Arena attack survivors win £45,000 damages in harassment case|date=8 November 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/nov/08/manchester-arena-attack-survivors-win-damages-harassment-case |website=theguardian.com |publisher=Guardian |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>
===Legal proceedings=== In December 2025, Manchester Civil Courts of Justice approved civil settlements totalling nearly £20 million for 16 children who were injured in the bombing, with individual payments ranging from £2,770 to over £11 million depending on the severity of injuries. The damages were awarded against organisations responsible for the arena's security and operation, as well as police forces involved in the response.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Horsburgh |first1=Lynette |title=Children hurt in Manchester Arena bomb share £20m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czj0wjper44o |access-date=27 April 2026 |work=BBC News |date=19 December 2025}}</ref>
==Memorial== {{Main|The Glade of Light}} thumb|''The Glade of Light'' opened in 2022 to commemorate the victims of the bombing.
The victims of the bombing are commemorated by ''The Glade of Light'', a garden memorial located in Manchester city centre near Manchester Cathedral.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-55759789|title=Manchester Arena attack memorial garden given go-ahead|date=22 January 2021|work=BBC News|access-date=7 December 2021|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206095034/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-55759789|url-status=live}}</ref> The memorial opened to the public on 5 January 2022 and an official opening event took place 10 May 2022.<ref name=BBCJan22>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59870203|title=Manchester Arena bomb victim's mum hails 'beautiful' memorial|date=5 January 2022|work=BBC News|access-date=5 January 2022|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105064327/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-59870203|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.royal.uk/duke-and-duchess-cambridge-attended-glade-light-memorial|title=The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended Glade of Light Memorial|access-date=3 March 2023|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314042004/https://www.royal.uk/duke-and-duchess-cambridge-attended-glade-light-memorial|url-status=live}}</ref>
The memorial was vandalised on 9 February 2022, causing £10,000 of damage. A 24-year-old man admitted to the offence and was given a two-year community order on 22 June 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2022 |title=Vandal who caused £10,000-worth of damage to Manchester Arena attack memorial walks free |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2022-06-22/man-who-vandalised-arena-attack-memorial-walks-free-from-court |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624083909/https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2022-06-22/man-who-vandalised-arena-attack-memorial-walks-free-from-court |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== * List of terrorist incidents in Great Britain * List of terrorist incidents in May 2017 * Manchester synagogue attack
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist}}
===Bibliography=== * {{Cite journal |last1=Gearson |first1=John |last2=Berry |first2=Philip |date=25 March 2021 |title=British Troops on British Streets: Defence's Counter-Terrorism Journey from 9/11 to Operation Temperer |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1057610X.2021.1902604 |journal=Studies in Conflict & Terrorism |volume=46 |pages=1984–2010 |doi=10.1080/1057610X.2021.1902604 |s2cid=1622584 |access-date=9 May 2023|url-access=subscription |doi-access=free }} * {{Cite journal |last=Gulland |first=Anne |date=30 June 2017 |title=Doctors commended for their bravery in response to terrorist incidents |url=https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j3184 |journal=British Medical Journal |volume=357 |article-number=j3184 |doi=10.1136/bmj.j3184 |pmid=28667098 |s2cid=233693006 |access-date=12 May 2023|doi-access=free |url-access=subscription }} * {{Cite journal |last1=Holman |first1=Mirya |last2=Merolla |first2=Jennifer |last3=Zechmeister |first3=Elizabeth |date=26 August 2021 |title=The Curious Case of Theresa May and the Public That Did Not Rally: Gendered Reactions to Terrorist Attacks Can Cause Slumps Not Bumps |journal=American Political Science Review |volume=116 |issue=1 |pages=249–264 |doi=10.1017/S0003055421000861 |s2cid=239649446 |doi-access=free }} * {{Cite report |website=Kerslake Arena Review |date=March 2018 |title=The Kerslake Report |url=https://www.kerslakearenareview.co.uk/media/1022/kerslake_arena_review_printed_final.pdf |access-date=9 May 2022 |ref={{sfnref|Kerslake Arena Review|2018}} }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} * {{Cite report |website=Manchester Arena Inquiry |date=June 2021 |title=Manchester Arena Inquiry Volume 1: Security for the Arena |url=https://files.manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/live/uploads/2021/06/17164904/CCS0321126370-002_MAI-Report-Volume-ONE_WebAccessible.pdf |access-date=8 May 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509040214/https://files.manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/live/uploads/2021/06/17164904/CCS0321126370-002_MAI-Report-Volume-ONE_WebAccessible.pdf |ref={{sfnref|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2021}} }} * {{Cite report |website=Manchester Arena Inquiry |date=November 2022 |title=Manchester Arena Inquiry Volume 2-I: Emergency Response |url=https://files.manchesterarenainquiry.org.uk/live/uploads/2022/11/03141804/MAI-Volume-2-Part-i.pdf |access-date=8 May 2023 |ref={{sfnref|Manchester Arena Inquiry|2022}} }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
==External links== * {{Commons-inline}} * [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40012738 List of victims of the bombing]
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