Manchester massacre sparks raids

PANIC-STRICKEN: People rush out of the Arndale shopping centre as it is evacuated in Manchester.

Manchester - World leaders express shock as British-born suicide bomber kills 22 Ariana Grande concertgoers.

By Agencies

Published: Tue 23 May 2017, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 May 2017, 1:01 AM

Investigators hunted on Tuesday for possible accomplices of the British-born suicide bomber who attacked an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, killing 22 people and sparking a stampede of young concertgoers, some still wearing the American pop star's trademark kitten ears and holding pink balloons.
Daesh claimed responsibility for the Monday night carnage, but the top American intelligence official said the claim could not be verified. World leaders expressed horror and shock.
The UAE Embassy said all Emiratis living in Manchester are safe.
British police raided two sites in the northern English city, setting off a controlled explosion in one, and arrested a 23-year-old man in a third location there.
Prime Minister Theresa May and police said the bomber died in the attack - something that went unmentioned in the Daesh claim, which also had discrepancies with the events described by officials.
Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins identified the bomber as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. "I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night's atrocity is 22-year-old Salman Abedi," Hopkins told reporters, adding that he would not make any further comments about Abedi at this stage.
Bomber identified
> Worst attack since 2005 London transport bombings
> Manchester police say attacker died at the scene
> Police identify bomber as 22-year-old Salman Abedi
> 23-year-old man arrested over the attack
> Daesh claims responsibility, experts discount this
> Campaign suspended ahead of June 8 election