Chief’s lack of direction at blast site

AN ambulance chief agreed he gave “no leadership” after the bomb at Manchester Arena, a public inquiry has heard.

Neil Barnes was the most senior NorthWest Ambulance Service officer on May 22, 2017, when 22 were killed in the suicide attack.

But he stayed at home after being called about the atrocity on his work phone at 10.40pm.

He denied the fact he was due to leave the country the next day affected his decision.

Mr Barnes was phoned a second time by a colleague telling him to attend a strategic command group, after which he said he left home at 11.40pm.

He agreed he did not call the NWAS emergency operations centre or use his radio.

Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said: “Given you arrived at 12.30am… two hours after the explosion… you provided no leadership?” Mr Barnes said: “I agree sir.”

The hearing continues.