UK counter-terrorism police have officially closed the 30-year investigation into the 1996 IRA bombing in Manchester, which injured more than 220 people, after exhausting all lines of inquiry without bringing charges.
Background of the Attack
On June 15, 1996, a 3,300lb (1,500kg) bomb hidden inside a van exploded outside the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester. It was the most powerful bomb detonated in Britain since World War II. The IRA claimed responsibility five days later, expressing regret for civilian injuries but citing a lack of progress in Northern Ireland peace talks.
Investigation Efforts
Over the years, police made limited progress. In 2022, a man was arrested at Birmingham Airport in connection with the attack but released without charge. Another suspect died before being questioned. Counter Terrorism Policing North West announced the inquiry is now closed, pending any new evidence.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts stated: "The 1996 Manchester bombing was a significant event. It is close to a miracle that nobody was killed, but hundreds were physically injured and many more profoundly impacted. We have been committed to establishing the full picture, despite the passage of time."
A review of evidence in 2016 identified some new but limited investigative opportunities, which have now been exhausted. Potts added: "Should any further evidence come to light, we are prepared to review this position again."
The Day of the Bombing
At 9:20am, a white lorry was parked on double yellow lines near Marks and Spencer. CCTV captured two men in hooded jackets leaving the vehicle. A traffic warden issued a parking ticket. Just before 10am, a man with an Irish accent called Granada TV, warning of a bomb and using an IRA code word. Police evacuated about 80,000 people. Bomb disposal officers attempted to defuse the device with a robot, but it failed. At 11:17am, the bomb exploded, shattering glass and shaking buildings. Incredibly, no one was killed, though 220 were injured. The blast caused an estimated £700 million in damage, leading to extensive rebuilding.
