The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has been sentenced to at least 55 years

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.

Families of the 22 victims were present, with survivors, friends and relatives following the hearing via video link.

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”.