Bomber’s ID ‘known’ as May and Corbyn talk
A SUICIDE bomber deliberately chose the place where he could cause “maximum carnage” when he detonated a bomb at a pop concert in Manchester, the Prime Minister has said.
Theresa May said “many” children and young people were among the 22 dead and 59 injured in the attack.
She confirmed that police and security services believe they know the identity of the man responsible and are now working to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a group.
Speaking outside Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergency committee, Mrs May condemned the “cowardice” of the attacker and hailed those who rushed to help, who had shown “the spirit of Britain ... a spirit that through years of conflict and terrorism has never been broken and will never be broken”.
She vowed: “The terrorists will never win and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.”
She spoke with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the hours after the bomb attack which killed 22 in Manchester and agreed to put election campaigning on hold until further notice.
Mrs May cancelled a planned visit to the South West to chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee i n Whitehall.
Leaders of all main parties sent messages of support and sympathy for those caught up in the horrific incident at the Manchester Arena and said they would be halting election activities temporarily.
Mr Corbyn said: “I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured.
“Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives.
“I would like to pay tribute to the emergency services for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with last night’s appalling events.”
Announcing the suspension of his party’s campaign, LibDem leader Farron said: “The country is united in grief after this devastating terror attack.
“Just as the country is focusing all its thoughts on the victims and their families, so politicians should come together in solidarity and respect for the innocent people caught up in this vile attack.”
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall, who is an MEP for the North West of England, said: “Just woken to the terrible news in the heart of my constituency, Manchester. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected. Stay strong.
“In light of what’s happened I have suspended the Ukip General Election campaign.”
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said: “The thoughts and sympathies of all of us in Plaid Cymru go out to all the people affected in Manchester.”