Suicide bomber named as vigils are held to remember the dead and injured

Greater Manchester Police have named the suicide bomber who killed 22 people at the Manchester Arena.

He was  22-year-old Salman Abedi, who was of Libyan descent but is thought to have been born in  the city.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins  confirmed the name which had been circulated in the US and among the press corp covering the explosion, throughout the day.

He was giving his latest update to the media in which he said: “Can I start by once again passing on our heartfelt sympathies to all the innocent people caught up in last night’s despicable act.

“We now have a team of specially-trained Family Liaison Officers who are supporting families.

“There has been much speculation and names of those who may have been killed in the media and social media. We accept that this is inevitable however we ask that people allow the police and coroner to release the names once the families are ready and appropriately supported.

“As you would expect the police response to this across Greater Manchester has been significant as we support people to go about their daily business.

“Part of this response has seen us arrest a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack and we have also carried out two warrants, one in Whalley Range and one in Fallowfield that included a controlled explosion to enable safe entry.

“We understand that feelings are very raw right now and people are bound to be looking for answers. However, now, more than ever, it is vital that our diverse communities in Greater Manchester stand together and do not tolerate hate.

““We have been visited by the Prime Minster and Home Secretary and we have taken them through the emergency response so far and what we plan to do in future days.

“I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last night’s atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. However, he has not yet been formally identified and I wouldn’t wish, therefore, to comment further.

“The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.”

In the next hour a number of vigils and services will be held throughout Greater Manchester including one at the Parish Church of St. Paul, Springfield Road, Sale.

A statement said: “In response to the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester last night, the Church flag is at half mast, and the Church will be open all day for all to come in and light a Candle, say a Prayer and sign the Book of Remembrance.

There will be a Service for Peace at 6pm.