MANCHESTER – British police made a fifth arrest Wednesday in connection with the Manchester terrorist attack that killed 22 people as they investigate whether the suicide bomber was part of a network.
The latest arrest came in the nearby town of Wigan, when police took a man who was carrying a package into custody, according to Manchester police. Police have cordoned off the area while they investigate the package.
Meanwhile, security services continued to work around the clock to determine what motivated British national Salman Abedi to blow himself up just outside the exits of the Manchester arena moments after singer Ariana Grande had finished her packed concert. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, though officials have not confirmed what role the militant group may have played, if any.
Given the nature of the attack and the bomb used — filled with nails and bolts designed to cause maximum carnage — Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Wednesday that it was “likely” the 22-year-old had not acted alone.
“It was more sophisticated than some of the attacks we’ve seen before,” she said.
Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins also confirmed during an afternoon news conference that it was “very clear that this is a network that we are investigating.”
What Are Your Thoughts?
