Hashem Abedi (pictured) is said to have played a ‘key role’ in the attack carried out by his older brother, Salman Abedi, in May
British police officers are yet to interview the brother of Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi, in Libya, Greater Manchester Police have said.
Hashem Abedi, 20, is said to have played a ‘key role’ in the terror attack carried out by his older brother which left 22 dead in May.
He was arrested in Tripoli by members of the Rada Special Deterrence Force a day after the attack, along with the brothers’ father, Ramadan Abedi.
Their father has since been released, but Hashem is still in custody and will go on trial in the next two months, according to the BBC.
Salman Abedi, 22, detonated his bomb in the foyer of an Ariana Grande concert in May, killing 22 people, including seven children, and injuring 250.
Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, said he has ‘grave concerns’ that Hashem will not be tried in the UK, but in Libya instead.
GMP said Hashem remains a suspect and officers have held talks with the Libyan authorities.
Salman Abedi (pictured on CCTV on the night of the attack) detonated his bomb in the foyer of an Ariana Grande concert in May, killing 22 people, including seven children, and injuring 250
A statement from GMP said: ‘Yesterday it was reported in the press that Libyan authorities intend to prosecute Hashem Abedi in Libya for the Manchester attack.
‘It was also reported that police officers have interviewed Hashem Abedi. This is not accurate, he has not been interviewed by police.
‘We have had discussions with the Libyan authorities in respect of Hashem Abedi and at this time we cannot comment on any detail about this.’
Mr Burnham said he would call on Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure any trial was held in the UK.
He said: ‘I have grave concerns about reports that a trial may take place in Libya connected with the atrocious attack at the Manchester Arena in May.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (above) said: ‘It is essential that any trial connected to the attack, particularly if it involves a UK citizen, takes place in the UK under British law’
‘This was an appalling attack on our city and any trial conducted thousands of miles from Manchester would in no way represent justice for all those who have been affected.
‘It is essential that any trial connected to the attack, particularly if it involves a UK citizen, takes place in the UK under British law.
‘I am today calling on the Prime Minister and the Government to do everything within their power to make sure that this is what happens.’