Officer killed in Manchester terror attack

An off-duty police officer was killed in the terror attack at Manchester Arena, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.

The female officer, who served with Cheshire Police, was at Monday’s (May 22) concert with her husband and their two children when the bomb was detonated.

Her husband is reportedly critically ill in hospital, and their children were both treated for injuries.

The officer’s identity has not yet been confirmed, but GMP has said all the victims’ families have been notified.

Twenty-two people died as a result of the attack and 64 are injured – 20 of which are in a critical condition.

Speaking outside GMP’s headquarters on Wednesday (May 24), Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Very sadly, I can confirm one of the victims was a serving police officer. But in respecting their family’s wishes, I will make no further comment at this stage.”

He also confirmed Salman Abedi was not acting alone as he added: “I think it is very clear that this is a network that we are investigating.”

There are currently four people in custody are being questioned over the attack.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Cheshire Police is now in a position to confirm that sadly one of our female officers tragically died while off-duty at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May.

“Unfortunately, we are not able to release any further details at this stage.”