MANCHESTER, UK — The terror threat level in the UK was raised to its highest level on Tuesday after officials named a 22-year-old British citizen as the perpetrator behind the deadly Manchester Arena explosion.
Salman Abedi, born in Manchester, is a former Salford University student. His family is believed to be of Libyan origin and he has at least three siblings, all born in England. The Manchester Evening News reported that Abedi visited Libya three weeks ago and only returned to Manchester recently.
According to the Guardian, Abedi and his brother worshipped at Didsbury mosque. Their father, known as Abu Ismail, is a well-known figure within the Manchester Libyan community.
Abedi was registered as living at an address on Elsmore Road, which is less than 4 miles from the Manchester Arena. Armed police carried out a controlled explosion to gain entry to the home on Tuesday.
A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the south Manchester suburb of Chorlton on Tuesday in connection with the attack.
Military personnel may be deployed to protect major sites as authorities believe further attacks may be imminent.
