The brother of Manchester Arena bomber has been sentenced to a minimum of 55 years for his role in the attacks that killed 22 people in May 2017.
Earlier this year, Hashem Abedi was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and conspiring with his sibling to cause an explosion to endanger life.
The 23-year-old refused to appear at the Old Bailey for sentencing during the two-day procedure and remained in his cell.
The verdict was passed in his absence.
GMP
Families of the 22 victims were present, with survivors, friends and relatives following the hearing via video link.
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The Abedi brothers worked together to plot the attack at the Ariana Grande concert – with Hashem sourcing materials and chemicals whilst assisting with the bomb design.
June Tron, the mother of Philip Tron, who died in the blast, said “my world fell apart” when she heard the news.
Lisa Rutherford, who lost her daughter Chloe , called the incident a “horrendous act of cowardice changed our lives forever”.
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Man re-arrested in relation to Manchester synagogue terror attack after previous release
Emily Sergeant
A man who was previously arrested and released in relation to the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has been re-arrested.
The 30-year-old was first arrested on 2 October on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place on Yom Kippur last week – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
A man has been re-arrested in relation to the Manchester synagogue terror attack after a previous release / Credit: GMP
The man was re-arrested on suspicion of Failing to Disclose Information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He was arrested at 12.34pm under PACE at Manchester Airport earlier yesterday (9 October) and has since been released on bail – but this time ‘with conditions’.
GMP says they ‘do not believe’ there is any ongoing threat to the public following the incident last week, even in the wake of the re-arrest.
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The news of the re-arrested comes after an ongoing investigation currently by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed earlier this week that it had found no evidence of police ‘misconduct’ during the incident.
It remains a live investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
Featured Image – GMP
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Independent review into police actions during Manchester synagogue terror attack finds ‘no misconduct’
Emily Sergeant
An independent review into the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has concluded there was ‘no misconduct’ by the police.
The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place last Thursday 2 October on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Statement from Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson following an update from the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This comes after last week's attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. pic.twitter.com/5tQQKeNaTh
The IOPC says its investigation is ‘mandatory’ in situations where police use of force may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.
Their investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved in the incident.
“Over the coming days, we will continue to review the substantial amount of evidence gathered up to now, and will begin the process of obtaining more detailed statements from police witnesses,” the IOPC said in a statment.
GMP’s Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, says he ‘welcomes’ the IOPC’s finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of officers in ‘bringing this dreadful attack to an end’.
An independent review into police actions during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has found ‘no misconduct’ / Credit: GMP
He said in a statement addressing the matter: “Our thoughts will always be with the families and loved ones of those directly affected by this tragedy together with the wider community across Greater Manchester and beyond. Our significant presence and determination to protect everyone from all faith communities across our city region will continue unabated.”
With the IOPC’s investigation into the incident still ongoing, CC Watson assured ‘GMP is committed to openness, transparency, and candour’.
“In respect of all our previous dealings with [al Shamie], and we have therefore asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review,” CC Watson continued.
“This includes previous reports of harassment, and an arrest for reports of rape over the past year, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack.”