Manchester Arena bombing inquiry begins with minute's silence held for 22 victims killed in terrorist attack

An inquiry into the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena is to commence today (Monday).
By Susie Beever
Published 7th Sep 2020, 06:00 BST
Tributes left in Manchester city centre following the bombing at Manchester Arena in May 2017Tributes left in Manchester city centre following the bombing at Manchester Arena in May 2017
Tributes left in Manchester city centre following the bombing at Manchester Arena in May 2017

The hearing, chaired by Sir John Saunders, begins at Manchester Magistrates Court and expects to hear from the families of the 22 people killed in the bombing at the end of the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.

Evidence in the inquiry is expected to run into Spring 2021, and will also hear from witnesses from Great Manchester Police.

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Its agenda is to investigate the circumstances of how the 22 victims lost their lives in the blast, looking at how suicide bomber Salman Abedi was radicalised, the events leading up to the attack and the emergency response.

Emergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester ArenaEmergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester Arena
Emergency services at the scene of the bombing at Manchester Arena

It will also seek to find whether there were any missed opportunities to intervene or prevent the tragedy.

Among the 22 killed in the bombing were Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Adel, Leeds; Courtney Boyle, 19, a Leeds Beckett University student from Gateshead; Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield; Wendy Fawell, 50, from Otley; and Angelika and Marcin Klis, a couple from York.

Loved ones of those who lost their lives will give evidence to paint a picture of who they were, while a minute’s silence is to be held at the beginning of today’s hearing to pay respects.

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It comes as the brother of Salman Abedi last month was jailed for a minimum of 55 years by and Old Bailey judge for his part in the atrocity.

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was among the 22 people killed in the attack at Manchester ArenaKelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was among the 22 people killed in the attack at Manchester Arena
Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was among the 22 people killed in the attack at Manchester Arena

Hashem Abedi, 23, was convicted of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder of those who were seriously injured and conspiring to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker told Abedi he “may never be released” from prison, with the sentence the longest passed down on record which was not a whole life order.

UK law prevents whole life orders from being given to defendants who were under the age of 21 at the time they committed the crime.

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The opening section of the inquiry is expected to last for three days before hearing from victims’ family members.

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