Public Inquiry into Manchester Arena terror attack gets underway

Collage image of all 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack
22 people died during the attack in May 2017 Credit: ITV Granada Reports

The public inquiry into the Manchester Arena terror attack has started today.

22 people died and hundreds were left injured and traumatised after the bomb blast at an Ariana Grande concert three years ago.

Loved ones of those who died stood in silent remembrance as the names of the victims were recited at the opening of the inquiry.

The sombre proceedings began with Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22 2017.

Families, lawyers and inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders stood with their heads bowed for the minute's silence.

Formally opening the inquiry, Sir John said: "This is an exercise in establishing the truth."

Sir John Saunders, Chair of the Inquiry, arrives at Manchester Magistrates Court. Credit: PA

  • ITV Granada Reports correspondent Amy Welch is at the inquiry.

The inquiry will investigate the circumstances of how the 22 people died in the attack. It will also examine evidence about the arena complex and security arrangements, the planning and preparation for the attack, the emergency response, the detonation and its effect, the experience of each of the 22 people who lost their lives, the background and radicalisation of Salman Abedi and the preventability of the attack.

The names of the 22 victims were read out in court, followed by a minute's silence. Credit: PA

Suicide-bomber Salman Abedi detonated his suicide bomb at 10.31pm on 22 May 2017, killing men, women and children aged between eight and 51.

Abedi was known to the security services, and a senior MI5 officer, known only as witness J, is expected to give evidence to the inquiry later this year.

The bomber's brother, Hashem Abedi, now 23, was last month jailed for life with a minimum 55 years before parole, for his part in the deadly bomb plot, which also left hundreds injured.

Hashem Abedi was jailed for 55 years.

The main hearings will take place in a room specially converted from two courtrooms within the Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court building in the centre of Manchester.

A small number of relatives of those killed are expected to attend the hearing room, with a conference centre nearby accommodating others, along with survivors of the attack. The chairman will make a report and recommendations once all the evidence is heard.

A livestream of proceedings will be broadcast so members of the public can follow the hearings.

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