Burnham reacts to Arena Inquiry report: the country 'was not prepared for a terrorist attack of this nature in a city like ours'

St Ann's Square in Manchester was filled with tributes and messages of support following the devastating Manchester Arena attack

A damning third and final report of the public inquiry into the shocking Manchester Arena bombing in May, 2017, revealed yesterday (Thursday) that there was 'a significant missed opportunity to take action' on the part of MI5 that might have prevented the murders of 22 people.

Royton mums Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were among those tragically killed in the attack, which took place as crowds left an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.

Sir John Saunders' Inquiry report also found that suicide bomber Salman Abedi probably received help from someone in Libya, and with this finding, it contradicts a previous MI5 assessment.

On a more local level, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has vowed that all of the Inquiry's findings will be acted upon.

Mr Burnham said: “This has been an authoritative and exhaustive process of inquiry and we would like to thank Sir John Saunders for leading it in the way that he has.

"At all stages Greater Manchester has faced up fully to the findings and we will do so again.

"Major changes have already been made to our emergency services and if more are needed as a result of this report we will do so.

“What has become clear through the stages of this inquiry is that, both at national and regional level, the country was not prepared for a terrorist attack of this nature in a city like ours.

"It is now beholden on all public bodies to use the findings of the inquiry to ensure all places are better prepared to protect people and respond to acts of terrorism.   

“We know that it is another very difficult day for those bereaved, injured and affected by the attack at Manchester Arena.

"Greater Manchester has stood with them from the beginning and our support will remain constant.”

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