CATALOGUE OF FAILINGS
Arena bomber ‘could have been stopped’
RELATIVES of the Manchester Arena bomb victims say an “inexcusable catalogue of failings” led to their murders.
They spoke out after an inquiry blamed a series of security bungles for the loss of 22 lives after an Ariana Grande concert in 2017.
Arena operators SMG, security firm Showsec and British Transport Police were criticised for failing to identify suicide bomber Salman Abedi.
In a 196-page public inquiry report, chairman Sir John Saunders wrote: “The security arrangements should have prevented or minimised the devastating impact of the attack. They failed to do so.”
The report listed a string of blunders, including a steward failing to raise concerns about Abedi due to a lack of training.
Stewards failed to take action after parents raised concerns about Abedi and five BTP officers should have staggered their breaks – two even drove five miles to get a kebab.
Inadequate CCTV also allowed Abedi to hide in a “blind spot”. Solicitor Neil Hudgell, who represents two of the families, said: “There was an inexcusable catalogue of failings which made the venue an attractive target to a terrorist attack.”
Another solicitor, Elkan Abrahamson, represents five families including that of Saffie Roussos, eight.
He said potential charges including corporate manslaughter should be brought.
Paul Hett, the father of Martyn, 29, said of the three organisations: “We were failed by them on every level.”