Manchester Arena bomber’s brother leaves UK before inquiry testimony

Ismail Abedi had been ordered to attend hearing, as childhood friend arrested trying to leave country

The older brother of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber has left the UK and there is no indication of whether he will return in time to give evidence this week to the public inquiry into the atrocity, it has emerged.

The bomber's childhood friend Ahmed Taghdi tried to leave the country on Monday as well but was arrested, the public inquiry was told on Tuesday.