Man Arrested at UK Airport Over Manchester Arena Bombing

On 22 May 2017, 22 people were killed after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device in the foyer of Manchester Arena moments after the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested at Manchester Airport on suspicion of engaging in the preparation of acts of terrorism as well as assisting others in such a way, under the Terrorism Act, by detectives investigating the Manchester Arena attack, UK police said on Friday.

The suspect was detained shortly after arriving in the UK and remains in custody for questioning.

“Greater Manchester Police remains firmly committed to establishing the truth surrounding the circumstances of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena - whether that is by supporting the ongoing public inquiry or by continuing to pursue leads with regards to the criminal investigation," Simon Barraclough, the senior investigating officer in the ongoing Manchester bombing investigation, said.

”More than four years have passed since the atrocity took place but we are unwavering in our dedication to following each line of inquiry available so that we can provide all those affected by the events at the arena with the answers they rightly deserve,” Barraclough added.

On 22 May 2017, Salman Abedi blew up a bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in the foyer of the Manchester Arena. The attack killed 22 people and injured hundreds more.

His younger brother Hashem Abedi was later found to have been involved in the plot and was judged guilty of 22 counts of murder, in what was followed by his admitting that he had played "a full and knowing part" in the bombing.

Their eldest brother, Ismail, fled the UK ahead of his scheduled appearance at an inquiry into the 2017 terrorist attack, according to revelations made earlier this week by Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry.

“Ismail Abedi clearly has important evidence to give to the inquiry and we urge him today to make contact with the inquiry legal team, either directly, or through his own legal representatives,” the counsel emphasised.

Ismail was arrested the morning after the May 2017 bombing and interviewed extensively by counter-terrorism police, but was later released without charge. He denied any involvement in the terror plot, insisting that he had played no role in radicalising Salman.

His other brother, Hashem Abedi, was previously found guilty of 22 counts of murder pertaining to the Manchester Arena attack, after he admitted that he had played "a full and knowing part" in the bombing.