On Monday, it will be 30 years since a devastating IRA bomb ripped through Manchester city centre, injuring more than 220 people and causing hundreds of millions of pounds of damage. Several pieces are planned over the weekend to mark the anniversary, including moving interviews with survivors and police officers who were there that day.
Last night saw a major update on the police investigation. No one has ever been charged in connection with the attack. Counter-terror cops have now revealed their probe is 'no longer active' as all lines of enquiry had been exhausted. In September 2022, an individual was arrested at Birmingham Airport on suspicion of terrorism offences. They were questioned but later released without charge. Yesterday police also said a second suspect identified during the investigation would have also been arrested and questioned had he not died several years earlier.
In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said it was 'close to a miracle' that nobody was killed in the bomb. He added: 'However hundreds of people were physically injured and many more were also profoundly impacted by what happened on that day. It is for that reason, we have been committed to establishing the full picture behind what happened and have continued to review this case, despite the passage of time since. A case of this significance, coupled with the amount of time that has passed, brings complexities so pursuing limited investigative opportunities such as these takes time. Those limited investigative opportunities have now been exhausted and the investigation is no longer active. Should any further evidence or information come to light about new or existing suspects then we are prepared to review this position again.'
Meanwhile on Sunday at 5.30pm, Manchester Cathedral will host a memorial service to mark the anniversary. It is being organised by Northern Ireland-based terror attack survivors charity SEFF and is open to anyone affected by the attack.
Bolton Mosque Incidents
It has been a worrying couple of days in Bolton after a suspicious device was found at a mosque, hours before an imam's house was firebombed. Police were called to the Zakariyya Jaam'e Masjid on Derby Street on Wednesday when a suspicious package, understood to contain a battery pack, was found. Then at around 9.20pm on Wednesday night, the Eastgrove Avenue home of imam Hassan Patel was subject to a firebomb arson attack. Terrifying CCTV footage showed a man wearing a helmet and dark clothing running onto the driveway, appearing to light an object and smash a window before using what is believed to be an accelerant.
Today, Bolton MP and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi said the incidents had 'left many people frightened'. She added: 'Let's not dance around what this is. When an Imam's home and a mosque are targeted within hours of each other, our Muslim neighbours hear the message that's intended - and so do I. Islamophobia has no place in Bolton. None. Our Muslim community is part of the fabric of this town, and an attack on them is an attack on all of us.'
Parrot Rio to Be Rehomed
Bosses at a plush new Salford restaurant have agreed to hand a parrot over to a wildlife group after an outcry over the bird being kept on display inside a glass box. Gardens, on the riverbank off Chapel Street, became the subject of a massive online backlash and a petition signed by 10,000 people after video tours showed the blue-and-yellow macaw named Rio being kept in a tank in the middle of the restaurant. The venue now says it has 'heard the concerns of the people of Manchester' and made the decision to hand over Rio so he can be rehomed in a large aviary or sanctuary.
World Cup Pub Guide
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the World Cup last night with a victory over South Africa amid the glorious sight of thousands of sombreros floating down from the stands of the Azteca. Another 102 games will be played over the next five and a half weeks in the newly expanded tournament. That means plenty of opportunities to go down the pub. Here Adam Maidment has put together his guide to the best places to watch the World Cup.
Weather and Travel
Weekend forecast: Following a cold and wet start to June, temperatures are expected to rise this weekend and into next week. Lee Grimsditch has the full forecast here. Roadworks: Market Street in Bury is closed in both directions due to roadworks between Angouleme Way and Trinity Street. Meanwhile, there is a contraflow system in place on New Bailey Street in Salford, also due to roadworks.
