‘Key players’ held as ‘immense progress’ made in bomb probe

Detectives have made “immense” progress in the investigation into the Manchester bombing and are confident they have arrested some “key players”, Britain’s top counter-terror officer has said.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said police have made “significant” arrests and “finds” and have got hold of a “large part” of the suspected network being sought over the atrocity.

He said: “We are very happy we’ve got our hands around some of the key players that we are concerned about but there’s still a little bit more to do.”

The senior officer also issued a defiant message as he urged people to go about their business as normal over the bank holiday weekend.

“Enjoy yourselves and be reassured by the greater policing presence you will see,” he said.

“We can’t let the terrorists win by dissuading us from going about our normal business.”

A huge security operation is planned with 1,100 armed officers on hand to protect major spectacles around the country, including the FA Cup final at Wembley and the Great Manchester Run.

It was revealed that specialist teams have carried out a review of security for more than 1,300 events with Britain remaining at the highest threat level of critical while the investigation into the bombing continues.

Twenty-two victims including children were killed when Salman Abedi, 22, launched a suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Last night police said a ninth man is being questioned after being arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in connection with the bombing.

The 44-year-old was detained in the Rusholme area, bringing the total number arrested to 11, Greater Manchester Police said.

Of those, two people – a 16-year-old boy and a woman aged 34 – have since been released without charge.

Last night officers were still carrying out searches at 12 locations, with activity expected to continue throughout the weekend.

Providing an update on the probe, Mr Rowley said it was likely further arrests would follow.

“We need to understand the whole network and how they acquired and built the bomb that exploded on Monday night,” he said.