UK braces for more attacks
MANCHESTER: Britain yesterday began mobilising troops to help protect key locations as the Government warned of the potential for another terrorist attack in the wake of Monday’s suicide bombing that killed 22 people outside Manchester Arena.
For the first time in 10 years, the Government raised its terrorism threat level from ‘‘severe’’ to ‘‘critical’’ after Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that also injured at least 59 people leaving an Ariana Grande concert.
‘‘The work undertaken throughout the day has revealed that it is a possibility we cannot ignore that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack,’’ Prime Minister Theresa May said, adding that counterterrorism officials believed ‘‘not only that an attack remains highly likely, but that a further attack may be imminent.’’
Police announced last night they had arrested three men in south Manchester in connection with the bombing.
The 22yearold bomber, identified as Salman Abedi, is an Englandborn son of Libyan immigrants.
The attack is the latest to plunge Europe into a cycle of grief, fear and political recriminations, as Muslims in Manchester condemned the bombing, parents anguished over the many youngsters killed and injured and authorities struggled to learn whether the bomber had help.
In Manchester, thousands of wellwishers crowded into Albert Square for a Tuesday evening vigil.
Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation in Manchester, said the deadly explosion marked the ‘‘darkest day’’ in the city’s history.
‘‘I love Manchester and its people. We are a resolute people and will not be divided by these barbaric animals or cowered by their violence,’’ he said. — Los Angeles Times