Families of Manchester Arena terror attack which killed Sheffield woman told inquiry will leave 'no stone unturned'

Kelly Brewster, from Arbourthorne, was at the Arena for an Ariana Grande concert when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a deadly rucksack bomb.

A total of 22 people died and hundreds others were injured in what was described at the opening of the inquiry into the incident as ‘the most devastating terrorist attack in the UK for many years’.

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Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, said: “What happened that night was the most devastating terrorist attack in the UK for many years.

“The inquiry will leave no stone unturned.”

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Formally opening the inquiry today, chairman Sir John Saunders said: “This is an exercise in establishing the truth.

“If I conclude thing went wrong then I shall say so but we are not looking for scapegoats. We are searching for the truth.

“The explosion killed 22 people, including children. The youngest was eight years old.

“Salman Abedi blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.”

Sir John said some evidence must be heard in secret to prevent further similar terrorist attacks.

He said the role of the security services, what was known about Abedi and the response of the emergency services will also be considered.

It has emerged that the bomber was reported to police and security as acting suspiciously in the minutes before he detonated his bomb.

Mr Greaney said: “At least one and possibly on two occasions someone drew attention to Salman Abedi acting suspiciously.”

He said whether there were ‘missed opportunities’ to prevent the attack or reduce its deadly impact would be a key consideration for the public inquiry.

Loved ones of the victims stood in silence as the names were recited at the opening of the inquiry.

Families, lawyers and the chairman of the inquiry Sir John Saunders, a retired High Court judge, stood with heads bowed for the minute’s silence.

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