THE DEATH TOLL in Manchester stands at 22, with the 59 injured including some victims who have life-threatening and life-changing injuries. The city and its people are still trying to take in what has happened, as sympathy is sent from across the world and heart warming stories of great humanity rise greater than the cold hatred that led to this tragedy.
The police have officially named the suspect as Salman Abedi, aged 22, and have confirmed that he died at the scene. The bomb he detonated was a home-made device, packed with nuts and bolts. It has been reported that he came from a family of Libyan origin, but was born – and presumably grew up – in Manchester. He is reported to have had three siblings and to have lived at various addresses in Manchester, at least two of which have been raided by police during the day. One arrest has been made.
If this suspect is confirmed to be the perpetrator, those who have been saying that this must be the work of an immigrant will be proved wrong. The next question is whether Abedi, if it was him, was acting alone, or whether this is a signal that more individuals are waiting to strike.
Manchester police are working with the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and the intelligence services to share information on the incident and its possible consequences. The Prime Minister is fully involved and has also phoned Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Opposition, to brief him. General Election campaigning has been suspended until further notice.
Three of those who died have been named. One is an eight year old girl, and there are twelve children under the age of 16 among the injured. People assembled in Albert Square, Manchester, to hold a vigil from 6pm this evening.
Sixty ambulances attended the emergency and the injured are being treated in eight local hospitals. The police response involved 400 officers on the streets. Manchester’s Victoria station was closed today and will remain closed tomorrow – and possibly for some days to come. Security is being reviewed and tightened at social and sporting events across the UK – with some events being cancelled as a mark of respect.
Many people have taken to social media to express their sympathy with the victims and their families. The fact that the attack was targeted on an audience of such young women and girls makes it more horrific. While our hearts go out to the victims and their families, we should stop for a moment and remember that the horror of Manchester is the horror that has been experienced in many places around the world – Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Gaza – as western bombs and missiles rain down on other innocent populations.
There can be no vengeance for Manchester. The suicide bomber will never have to account for murdering 22 people, including children. The only way we can go forward from Manchester is down the road of peace, to rid the whole world of terror and injustice. No more bombs!
•Police have asked anyone with photos or videos of the incident to upload them on to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or ukpoliceimgeappeal.com. Anyone with any information should ring the anti-terror hotline on 0800-789 321.
•Hotline: 0800-096 0095
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