Ariana Grande concert in Manchester: Bomb designed for maximum impact
CHILLING footage has emerged of the Manchester bomber buying a backpack just days before the attack at an Ariana Grande concert.
THE bomb used in the Manchester attack packed a powerful charge together with a shrapnel of nuts and screws which were meticulously arranged for maximum damage.
Photographs published by the New York Times reveal the full and horrifying impact the bomb had.
The Times published eight exclusive pictures, which were unsourced but appeared to be police photographs taken at the Manchester Arena, where 22 people were killed at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
Initial analysis of the various elements photographed at the scene suggests that suicide bomber Salman Abedi carried “an improvised device made with forethought and care.”
The bomb was most likely concealed within a backpack but also possibly in a vest.
The images notably suggest the suicide bomber — or a possible team helping him — had a remote detonator set up, to back up a handheld detonator found at the scene.
The newspaper said there were no initial details of the type and strength of the explosive used in the attack.
But, combined with the location of the bodies of those struck by the bomb, and the remains of the bomber himself, the Times said: “All of these are indicators of a powerful, high-velocity charge, and of a bomb in which its shrapnel was carefully and evenly packed.”
Most fatalities also occurred in a complete circle around the bomber based on an analysis of where victims fell.
The bomber’s torso was blown up and out towards the arena entrance.
The images showed shreds of a blue Karrimor backpack, metal screws and nuts, the remains of a strong battery, and the apparent handheld detonator with wires coming from it.
The detonator also appeared to have a small circuit board inside it, the Times said, which may have linked it to the backup detonation system.
“Such redundancy could give the bomber or a cell more than one option for deploying the device, and further suggests that the bomb was not as simple in design as many terrorist devices, which often are crude and prone to failure or haphazard effect,” the paper wrote.
The remains of a Yuasa 12-volt lead acid battery were found at the scene.
The release of the photos come hours after the UK Government appealed to US authorities not to release details surrounding the investigation.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd yesterday said she was “irritated” by the early release of the bomber’s name by US authorities and made it clear to her US counterparts that no further leaks should happen.
Abedi’s name was released by US media hours before it was even confirmed by UK police who had asked the media to refrain from speculating on the bomber’s identity.
Ms Rudd told the BBC: “I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again.”
She also stressed while it was irritating she didn’t believe the release of this information had compromised the investigation.
Meanwhile haunting CCTV images have been released showing Abedi buying a backpack which looks similar to the one used in the deadly attack.
The footage was shot in the Manchester Arndale centre days before the attack took place, The Sun reported.
Images shown on Sky News show Abedi wearing a baseball cap and dark tracksuit inside the centre.
The price tag can still be seen on the pack.
According to Sky News he withdrew $430 from an ATM before he started shopping at around 8pm last Friday.
Police are now using the footage to help track his movements after the left the centre.
— with staff writers
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