Trump: Manchester scene analysis leak `a grave threat`

Evidence found at the scene of the Manchester terror attack and shared with law enforcement agencies in the US has been disclosed to the New York Times and shared widely on the internet, causing “immense concern” among senior police officers. The publication of numerous pictures of the scene, clothing and material thought to be part of the explosive device has caused widespread alarm and comes after the Home Secretary issued a rebuke to US officials for leaking information about the atrocity and the perpetrator’s name. Prime Minister Theresa May raised the unauthorised disclosure of an extensive early scene analysis with President Donald Trump at a Nato Summit in Brussels on Thursday (May 25). President Trump said the leaks are a “grave threat to our national security”, adding that his administration will get to the bottom of it. He continued: “I am asking the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies to launch a complete review of this matter, and if appropriate, the culprit should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “There is no relationship we cherish more than the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.” Speaking on Wednesday morning, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said leaking the attacker’s identity “did not compromise the investigation” but she had made it clear to our “friends” that it should not happen again. A senior UK police officer has told Police Professional that the latest revelations “could have compromised the immensely difficult task being performed by the hundreds of officers working on the inquiry and will be an unnecessary distraction for senior investigating officers”. The evidence includes pictures of what is believed to be a switch found in the attacker’s hand, his clothing and part of a backpack that was thought to contain the device. The report also includes police descriptions and diagrams of the scene with locations of victims. Such evidence would not normally be released to the media unless it was part of a criminal trial, an inquest or a carefully planned appeal for information. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, said: “These leaks are completely unacceptable and must stop immediately. This behaviour is arrogant and is undermining the investigation into the horrific attack on the city of Manchester.” The National Police Chiefs’ Council issued a carefully worded statement on the latest media coverage. A National Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: “We greatly value the important relationships we have with our trusted intelligence, law enforcement and security partners around the world. These relationships enable us to collaborate and share privileged and sensitive information that allows us to defeat terrorism and protect the public at home and abroad. “When that trust is breached it undermines these relationships, and undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families. This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorised disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter terrorism investigation.” The senior police officer told Police Professional those working on the Manchester investigation will assess the risk to the inquiry if new information is disclosed to the media and may restrict its distribution or obtain assurances before sharing. The explosion at the Manchester Arena on Monday night claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 64. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) appealed for the public and media not to reveal details of anyone involved. However, the identity of the suicide bomber was passed to a press agency by US government officials who published details before GMP was prepared to release them. At 5.35pm on Tuesday (May 23), GMP announced that the British-born son of Libyan parents Salman Abedi was responsible for the atrocity. However, a spokesperson for the force would not say whether his identity was published in response to his details already being widely known. Home Secretary