Brother ‘who helped Manchester Arena bomber prepare for the attack’ appears in court

The younger brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber has appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with 22 counts of murder – one for each of the people who died.

Hashem Abedi, 22, allegedly bought bomb ingredients and components as well as a Nissan Micra to store them all in before fleeing to Libya before his older sibling Salman launched the terror attack two years ago.

He detonated a suicide vest as music fans left an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring 260 others on May 22 2017. 

Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, right, who is being extradited to the UK from Libya over his potential role in the 2017 terror attack

Music fans were murdered and maimed as they left an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring 260 others on May 22 2017

Hashem Abedi, who was raised in Manchester, travelled to Libya before the attack having allegedly helped him plan it. 

The defendant, who was 20 at the time of the murders, was arrested in Tripoli and was extradited to the UK in July.

It is claimed he made successful and unsuccessful attempts to buy bomb-making chemicals.

He also allegedly helped in the purchase of a Nissan Micra to store device components and made detonator tubes for use in the explosive.

Today Abedi appeared in the dock of Court 2 at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing before senior judge Mr Justice Baker.

The defendant was not asked to enter pleas to the charges and the hearing was adjourned to October 22.

Abedi is charged with 22 counts of murder – one for each person killed in the attack.

He also faces a single count of attempted murder for all the other victims, and conspiring with his brother to cause explosions.

The defendant, who is in custody, is due to face trial at the Old Bailey from November 11.