Senior Officer Faces Misconduct Inquiry Over Manchester Arena Attack Response
A senior police officer from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is under investigation for their conduct during the response to the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, which occurred on May 22, 2017. The officer, who remains unnamed, is accused of failing to inform others of their inadequate training while managing the incident.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated the inquiry following a complaint lodged in 2021 by families of the victims. The attack, which took place during an Ariana Grande concert, resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and left many others seriously injured.
Investigation Findings and Public Inquiry Criticism
A public inquiry led by Sir John Saunders has been highly critical of GMP’s response to the tragic event. In its findings published in 2022, the inquiry highlighted that senior officers failed to declare a major incident for over two and a half hours after the explosion. Additionally, they neglected to notify other emergency services that the situation warranted a terrorism response plan.
The inquiry specifically pointed out deficiencies in training and experience among key personnel responsible for managing major incidents. These shortcomings contributed to a delayed and ineffective response that has been condemned by various stakeholders.
The IOPC confirmed that the unnamed officer will face a misconduct meeting, where possible sanctions could include a final written warning. Amanda Rowe, director of the IOPC, stated, “It will now be for a police disciplinary panel to consider the evidence and reach a decision based on all the available information.”
Commitment to Improvement and Accountability
In response to the ongoing inquiry, Terry Woods, GMP’s deputy chief constable, expressed the force’s commitment to accountability. Woods reaffirmed support for the misconduct meeting, stating that the outcome would be made public. He also reiterated the chief constable’s apology issued on behalf of GMP to the families affected by the attack.
Woods emphasized the importance of ensuring that the inadequacies identified during the public inquiry are not repeated. He highlighted the extensive efforts made by GMP in the years since the incident to implement substantive improvements based on the inquiry’s recommendations.
The investigation into police conduct during the Manchester Arena attack serves as a crucial step towards accountability and transparency, ensuring that lessons are learned to enhance emergency response protocols in the future.
