Twenty-two people have been killed and dozens injured by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, May 22. A man carried an improvised explosive device at an Ariana Grande concert.
This morning Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we have significant resources deployed to both the investigation and the visible patrols that people will see across Greater Manchester as they wake up to news of the events last night. This will include armed officers as people would expect. More than 400 officers have been involved in this operation during the night.
“We have received tremendous support from across the police services and partner agencies throughout the night. We regularly carry out exercises to test our ability to respond to such incidents and this has ensured a very swift response from local and national agencies. I want to thank all those members of the emergency services and other agencies who have worked tirelessly through the night in very difficult circumstances. Their response has been outstanding.
“There remains a large cordon in place around Manchester Arena and Victoria Train Station which will be in place for some time. The station will remain closed while a detailed forensic search is under way. People should plan their route to work and follow Transport for Greater Manchester for updates on social media.”
Police ask that any images or footage from last night that may assist them in investigations are uploaded to Ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or Ukpoliceimageappeal.com.
A nearby hotel sheltered unaccompanied children.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has emphasised the importance of vigilance in a page on its website with links and guidance.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “This was a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society, young people, children, out at a pop concert. Its intention was to sow fear, its intention is to divide; but it will not succeed.”
Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham praised the city’s people for their response. He said: “Even in the minutes after the attack they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger. They gave the best possible immediate response to those that seek to divide us and it will be that spirit of Manchester that will prevail and hold us together.”
Police ask people to be alert and report any suspicious activity to police on the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 or in an emergency by dialling 999. Emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home from the Arena: 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.
On the implications, Richard Barrett formerly of MI6 speaking on the BBC Radio 4 programme Today urged balance. In terns of additional security, he suggested doing more on the intelligence side and engagement with communities and trying to understand why people do such things, rather than ‘putting up more bollards’. Also raised has been where to place a perimeter for access control and bag checks. He pointed out how cynical the attack was, seeking to make people afraid. He drew attention to Amber Rudd’s comment that such attacks seek to divide: “Parents are worried about what their children do in this world, without worrying what they are doing at a concert.”
For Manchester travel details visit the Transport for Greater Manchester website.
BSIA comment
Dirk Wilson, Chairman of British Security Industry Association (BSIA), says: “We at the BSIA were saddened to hear of the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester last night, and would like to praise the quick actions of the private security personnel, who would have been among the first to respond to this incident, placing themselves at considerable risk in doing so. In times of emergency – and in day-to-day operations – private security personnel provide essential support to local police forces, and are often the ‘unsung heroes’ helping to ensure the continued safety and security of the British public.
“Their ability to provide this vital service is thanks to the mandatory training they receive as part of our industry’s important licensing and regulatory regime, which plays a crucial role in making sure that private security personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to support police and emergency services through even the most challenging of situations.”
