The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police has urged the city not to ‘tolerate hate’ following the deadly bombing that killed 22 people.
In his latest statement about the attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, chief constable Ian Hopkins said it is ‘vital’ that Mancunians stand together.
The suicide bombing carried out by Salman Abedi killed 22 people, while 59 were taken to hospital and another 60 were treated by paramedics.
He said: ‘Can I start by once again passing on our heartfelt sympathies to all the innocent people caught up in last night’s despicable act.
‘We now have a team of specially-trained family liaison officers who are supporting families.
‘There has been much speculation and names of those who may have been killed in the media and social media. We accept that this is inevitable however we ask that people allow the police and coroner to release the names once the families are ready and appropriately supported.
‘As you would expect the police response to this across Greater Manchester has been significant as we support people to go about their daily business.
‘Part of this response has seen us arrest a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack and we have also carried out two warrants, one in Whalley Range and one in Fallowfield that included a controlled explosion to enable safe entry.
‘We understand that feelings are very raw right now and people are bound to be looking for answers. However, now, more than ever, it is vital that our diverse communities in Greater Manchester stand together and do not tolerate hate.
‘We have been visited by the prime minster and home secretary and we have taken them through the emergency response so far and what we plan to do in future days.
‘I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night’s atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. However, he has not yet been formally identified and I wouldn’t wish, therefore, to comment further.
‘The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.’
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