Brother of Manchester Arena bomber extradited from Libya and arrested

The brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber has been arrested today (Wednesday 17 July) after being successfully extradited from Libya.

Hashem Abedi, 22, formerly of Manchester, will be charged with the murder of 22 people, the attempted murder of others injured in the attack and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

Abedi was flown back from Libya with British police after having been handed over by local authorities for alleged involvement in the terror attack on 22 May 2017 by his brother, Salman Abedi.

22 people, including children, were killed during the explosion in the foyer of the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert. 

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/110228/22-dead-and-scores-injured-in-terror-attack-at-manchester-arena

Abedi was arrested by Greater Manchester Police officers after he landed at a London airport and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in due course.

Families of the victims and survivors were the first to be informed.

In a statement, GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Since the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017, our thoughts have been with the families of those who lost loved ones and the hundreds who are struggling with serious physical injuries and deep psychological effects.

“They have always been central to our investigation and will continue to be so at all times.

“I am now able to say that, following application by the Crown Prosecution Service for the extradition of Hashem Abedi from Libya, he has today been successfully extradited, for offences relating to the Manchester Arena attack.

“He was handed over by Libyan authorities to British police officers this morning. They escorted him on the flight back and he landed in the UK a short while ago.

“Greater Manchester Police officers have arrested Hashem Abedi for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.

“He will be transferred to a police custody facility in London. After processing at the police station, he will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in relation to these charges.

“I want to thank all those involved for their commitment to this investigation and the successful extradition of Hashem Abedi.

“We do understand that there has been a huge appetite for updates in relation to the extradition. We are pleased that we can now explain the progress that has been made.

“It is important to allow the judicial process to take place and we would ask media colleagues and the wider public to respect this.”