Prime Minister Theresa May Says Terror Threat Raised To Critical

The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has said in an address this evening that the UK's terror threat level has been raised to critical - the highest level possible.

The increase in concern follows the Manchester terror attack last night which left 22 people dead and over 50 injured by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena.

Theresa May said it is possible that there is a 'wider group of individuals' are responsible for the Manchester explosion.

It's the third time that the UK terror threat has been raised to critical. The first was back in 2006 when a plot was foiled to blow up transatlantic airliners with liquid bombs; the second was in 2007 when a man tried to bomb a London nightclub before going on to attack Glasgow airport.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they believe 22-year-old Salman Abedi, a Manchester-born citizen, detonated a suicide bomb at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening after an Ariana Grande concert at the 21-000 seater venue.

The youngest known fatality is eight years old, and 59 others remain injured. Several people are also still missing, almost 24 hours later.

In her statement, the Prime Minister also announced that members of the armed forces will be deployed across the UK.

Additionally security will be prevalent at large events such as football matches and concerts until further notice. This weekend Wembley Stadium hosts the FA Cup final, while Kell Brook takes on Errol Spence at Sheffield's Bramall Lane.

The army will be under the command of the police in an operation known as Operation Tempora.

The Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi is believed to be a British man of Libyan origin.

Manchester refused to break after last night's attack. Off-duty medics showed up to help out, taxi drivers worked for free and hundreds of residents offered up beds, sofas and cups of tea for those affected. LADbible want to tell the stories of these unsung heroes. If you, or anyone you know, offered support last night we want to talk to you - email [email protected]

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

@MikeMinay