Manchester Arena attack survivors and families sue MI5 saying it could have prevented tragedy

The Manchester Arena attack took the lives of 22 people and injured 1,017

Manchester Arena bomb survivors and victims’ relatives are suing MI5, saying it could have prevented the tragedy.

A 250-strong group have lodged a complaint with security agency watchdog the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. The suicide bombing after an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 killed 22 and injured 1,017. It is the first time survivors of a domestic terrorist attack have taken MI5 to court over an alleged failure to prevent it.

Three law firms representing them say officers’ negligence breached the right to life guaranteed by the Human Rights Act. The Manchester Arena Inquiry, set up in 2019, found that MI5 had missed a significant opportunity to prevent the bombing carried out by terrorist Salman Abedi, 22.

Chairman Sir John Saunders said: “There was a realistic possibility that actionable intelligence could have been obtained which might have led to actions preventing the attack.” Last year MI5 director-general Ken Mc­Callum apologised for its failure.

In the tribunal, MI5 will have to share any relevant evidence. A hearing is expected early next year. Compensation could run into millions but a legal source told The Sunday Times: “This… action is not about money or compensation. It’s about holding MI5 to account for failing to prevent 22 people dying and many hundreds more being seriously injured.”

In 2020 Abedi’s brother Hashem was jailed for having helped him.