Manchester attack arrests ‘significant,’ important items found

The British government and Greater Manchester police had refused to confirm the identity of the suicide bomber as Salman Abedi just over two hours before his name appeared in USA media outlets.

Manchester police said the eight arrests were “significant” to the investigation that is expected to include raids and searches for the next several days.

The father of suspected Manchester bomber Salman Abedi has denied his son’s involvement in the suicide attack and said that his family do not “believe in killing innocents”.

No other details have been released, though the BBC reported that one of the three men was the brother of suspected bomber Salman Abedi.

Greater Manchester police chief Ian Hopkins told reporters it was “very clear” that the investigation was looking into a network connected to the bomber, Salman Abedi.

In addition, hundreds of troops have been deployed to guard key landmarks and possible targets, including Downing Street and Parliament, in order to reduce pressure on the police.

Rudd also said it was “irritating” that information about the investigation into the bombing had been leaked by US security sources before the British police were ready to go public with it.

The government said almost 1,000 soldiers were deployed instead of police to high-profile sites in London and elsewhere. In an interview with the AP before his arrest, Ramadan Abedi said his 23-year-old son, Ismail, had been arrested Tuesday, as well.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said there is progress being made on the investigation despite the leaks.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday placed the country on its highest level of terror alert, which means a new attack is believed to be imminent. A source said British investigators were hunting for anyone who may have helped build the suicide bomb and who could be ready to kill again.

An off-duty police officer lost her life in the deadly terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester, England Monday night.

In addition to those killed in the concert attack, 64 people are being treated for their wounds, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said Wednesday.