A former police officer who led the first response in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack could be facing criminal charges.
Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has today revealed that it will be referring a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on accounts of the night of the atrocity on on 22 May 2017 as provided by former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer, Dale Sexton.
Mr Sexton has now retired from the force, but was the Chief Inspector and force duty officer in the city centre on the night of the attack, and led the initial police response.
22 people tragically lost their lives, and thousands more were left injured and affected, during a bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.
The IOPC had already previously investigated a complaint lodged on behalf of the victims’ families in relation comments provided as evidence by Mr Sexton, where the now-retired officer denied he was “overwhelmed” with the situation and claimed GMP made “a deliberate decision” not to inform other emergency services that the force had declared ‘Operation Plato’ – which was an agreed national identifier to a no-notice marauding terrorist firearms attack.
Floral tributes left after the Manchester Arena attack / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
However, when interviewed back in 2018 as part of the Kerslake Report, Mr Sexton neglected to mention going against protocol and keeping the declaration secret from partner services.
When Mr Sexton was later challenged by the independent inquiry into the emergency response – which was commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – as to why he had not admitted to going against the protocol earlier, he said he felt like he had “almost got away with it on the night”.
When the investigation finally concluded earlier this year back in February, Mr Sexton was cleared by the IOPC of breaching standards of professional behaviour or committing a criminal offence.
But now, after the IOPC has “subsequently completed and upheld” a Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) – which it says was requested by the families of the victims – a second decision maker, who has no connection to the original investigation, reviewed the “substantial amount of evidence” gathered during the IOPC investigation and determined “an offence may have been committed”.
“We will now begin preparing a file of evidence for the CPS to consider any possible charges,” the IOPC confirmed in its statement this morning.
Addressing the situation, Amanda Rowe – who is the Director of Operations at the IOPC – commented: “The Manchester Arena bombing was a tragedy that had a profound impact right across Greater Manchester and beyond, [and] it will live long in the memories for all the wrong reasons and our thoughts remain with all those affected by this horrific act of violence.
“This was a complex investigation, carried out independently of police, and investigators obtained a significant amount of information, which was considered as part of our decision-making.
Police car at night in Manchester city centre / Credit: GMP
“In cases like this, and in line with other organisations, victims and complainants have a right to have their case reviewed by someone unconnected to the original investigation [and] in this instance, we determined the matter requires further exploration and will be submitted to the CPS to consider in due course.
“A referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will be authorised.
“It will now be for prosecutors to determine whether charges should follow and, if so, what those charges may be.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”