RUSHES: Manchester Arena attack: Police and Andy Burnham press conference

Manchester Arena attack: Police and Andy Burnham press conference; ENGLAND: Manchester Greater Manchester Police HQ: EXT Russ Jackson (Chief Officer responsible for Counter Terrorism Policing in the North West) along to press with Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester) and Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Beverley Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing and Crime) Russ Jackson (Chief Officer responsible for Counter Terrorism Policing in the North West) press statement SOT - Almost three years ago, on these steps, Greater Manchester Police had to announce to the world what had then become clear: that Manchester had suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks this country had ever experienced, and that 22 lives were suddenly and brutally taken in a barbaric act. Those lost have left behind heartbroken friends and family. Their loss is sorely felt by many, and for many the pain of that loss will never ever heal. There were almost 1000 people injured - some incredibly seriously - and many will still suffer with deep physical and psychological injuries which will remain with them for years, if not forever. Salman Abedi exploded the bomb which caused this devastation, but people now know that this horrific attack was planned with his brother, Hashem Abedi, who we now see convicted of the 22 murders and the attempted murder of all those who were injured. Hashem Abedi, whilst in Libya at the time of the attack, is every bit as guilty as his dead brother, and this is reflected in the judgement we see today. He was his brother's driver and the quartermaster who sourced the deadly materials. He was also the munitions technician in those months running up to the attack. During the police interview he professed not only his innocence, but his desire to help police with their inquiries. Then, at his trial, he offered no testimony in his own defence. In the last few weeks, Abedi absented himself from court, such was the contempt he showed for the pr...