Unfair to blame security teams for Abedi failure

MI5 and counter-terror police will come under fire for missing the opportunity to stop Abedi, as at some point he was on their radar.

But anybody with knowledge or experience of the intelligence and surveillance world considers this unfair criticism. He was among thousands of possible terrorist lunatics who have thought of launching an attack.

Full-time surveillance of a suspect is a huge task.

It takes up resources and time and is often fruitless with every

meeting of their target throwing up more suspects to be followed.

Surveillance teams are under massive pressure to recall minute detail and avoid being seen, all against the very real danger of walking into a deadly trap or compromising an investigation that has taken years.

Any slight glance or move could cost lives. Imagine walking into a pub or a Tube, or down an alleyway, following someone who may blow themselves up at any moment – or shoot or stab you, but you dare not let them out of your sight.

Added to that MI5 teams are also weighed down with smashing espionage plots from foreign states. Intelligence officers will understand this killer slipped through their net but they always knew it was a matter of time before someone did and still may again.

But the fact carnage like this has not happened since the 7-7 attacks is down to the success of their work.

Terrorists have been trying very hard to kill as many of us as possible .... since before 9-11.