Greater Manchester Police officer involved in Manchester Arena bombing response to face misconduct meeting

A senior Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who was involved in coordinating the tactical police response to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 will face a misconduct meeting as a result of an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

It follows a voluntary complaint referral from GMP on 2 September 2021. The complaint was made to the force on 28 August 2021 by family members who sadly lost loved ones in the attack. The complaints relate to the actions and decision-making of the officer on the night.

We concluded our investigation and sent our final report with our provisional opinions to the force in February 2025. GMP responded last month and agreed with our opinion that the officer has a case to answer for misconduct for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour relating to integrity, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. GMP will now arrange for disciplinary proceedings to take place.

In May 2024, the officer was served with a formal notice that their conduct was under investigation. It was alleged that the officer failed to alert others that they were not sufficiently skilled, experienced or knowledgeable to be able to effectively fulfil the role of coordinating the police response.

The IOPC has also recommended that GMP makes an apology to the complainants for the shortcomings on the night of the attack at an appropriate time. This should also include an explanation of the steps the force has taken to prevent similar issues arising again in the future.

During the course of our investigation, we reviewed a substantial amount of information relating to the incident, including evidence provided to the Manchester Arena Inquiry. IOPC investigators analysed relevant policies, procedures and training and examined the actions of the officer.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Our investigation follows the tragic incident on 22 May 2017 when a bomb was detonated at the Manchester Arena in which 22 people sadly lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with all those affected– a tragedy that will forever have a profound impact right across Greater Manchester and beyond.

“It was vital for public confidence in policing that such matters were subject to thorough and independent scrutiny and our independent investigation looked into a complaint regarding the actions and decision-making of a senior Greater Manchester Police officer on the night of the attack.

“It will now be for a police disciplinary panel to consider the evidence and reach a decision based on all the available information.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Misconduct meetings are held in cases where an individual has a case to answer for misconduct and where they can receive a sanction ranging up to a final written warning. As set out in legislation, these proceedings are held in private, unlike misconduct hearings.