Ambulance chief gave ‘no leadership’ after attack

A Manchester Arena ambulance commander has admitted showing “no leadership” on the night of the attack as it has emerged that he stayed at home after receiving the first call about the explosion.

Neil Barnes, a deputy director at North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), was on-call on the night of the 2017 terror attack and had overall responsibility in the event of a major incident. But he stayed at home after taking the first call about an “incident” at the arena, the inquiry heard.

At 10.40pm, he took a call from an NWAS colleague who informed him of a “suspected bombing attack”. The inquiry continues.