Ismail Abedi: Manchester Arena bomber’s brother due at inquiry ‘has left the UK’

The older brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi has left the UK, and the bomber’s childhood friend was arrested on Monday trying to leave the country, the public inquiry into the terror attack has heard.

Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi Credit: GMP

Both Ismail Abedi and Ahmed Taghdi had been given court orders warning them to attend the inquiry this week to answer questions about the radicalisation of the bomber who carried out the 22 May, 2017 attack.

Paul Greaney QC, addressing chairman of the inquiry Sir John Saunders, said Ismail Abedi had refused to co-operate with the inquiry but was ordered to attend on Thursday.

However, he is no longer in the country and there is “no indication” when he will return.

Mr Greaney said: “As he surely must understand, if he does not do so, the public may infer that he has something to hide and, so Sir, may you.”

Ahmed Taghdi was told on Friday if he did not attend the inquiry this week he would be arrested. He attempted to leave the country on Monday and, as a result, was arrested.

The public inquiry, sitting in Manchester, continues.

Ismail Abedi: Manchester Arena bomber’s brother who was due at inquiry ‘has left the UK’