Arrest In Shoreham Over Manchester Attack
29 May 2017, 12:30 | Updated: 1 June 2017, 05:53
The Manchester bombing inquiry has spread to the south coast of England, with the arrest of a man in West Sussex.
The 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of terror offences at an address in Shoreham-by-Sea in the early hours of Monday morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
The arrest brings the number of people arrested in connection with the investigation to 16, with 14 men now held in custody over the attack that left 22 dead and over 100 injured.
Shortly after the arrest was announced GMP said officers had also executed a warrant in the Chester area of Cheshire, although no arrests had been made.
Police have been working round-the-clock since Abedi blew himself up with a home-made nail bomb amid concert-goers, many of them young girls, at the Manchester Arena in a horror that shook the nation.
On Sunday, counter-terror officers stormed addresses in Gorton, Rusholme and Moss Side.
Explosions were reported at several of the searches, but police would not comment on whether controlled blasts were used to gain entry.
Three people were arrested - and quickly de-arrested - during the afternoon's operation at Quantock Street, Moss Side, leading them to post an outraged sign on their front door.
It read: "This is what the police has caused and we have nothing to do with what happened in the bombing attack.''
Statement from Sussex Police
Early on Monday (29 May) officers investigating the attack on the Manchester Arena arrested a 23-year-old man in Shoreham-by-Sea on suspicion of offences contrary to the terrorism act.
A scene guard remains in place at the address where the man was arrested.
Today’s action is part of an ongoing investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North West, working together with Sussex Police. This phase of the operation is still in its infancy, so the information we can release is limited.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, of Sussex Police, said: “I understand that this kind of activity can cause concern for people living in nearby communities and would like to thank them for their understanding and patience.
“As a result of today’s operation, Sussex Police is working very closely with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals to make sure concerns are addressed and that we provide the best possible service to local people.
“Over the coming days and weeks we will be continuing to work with our local communities to address any concerns they may have. We always need the public’s help to defeat terrorism by being extra vigilant and letting us know of any suspicious behaviour or activity.”
“Terrorists want to create discord in our communities, but Sussex has a long history of our communities living and working together.
“We will continue to work closely with our communities by carrying out patrols over the coming weeks and addressing any concerns they may have.
“Public safety is the paramount concern for the police and will continue to be our top priority and we have a duty to act and protect the public.
“I'd ask local communities to stay alert, but not alarmed, be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to the Anti-Terror hotline on 0800 789321.or in an emergency call 999.”