Politics: The man who attacked the Ariana Grande concert is identified as 23-year-old Salman Abedi

The suspect's identity came after a day of raids and arrests by Manchester police.

LONDON — The man who detonated a fatal bomb in the Manchester Arena on Monday night has been formally identified as 23-year-old Salman Abedi, according to multiple reports.

Abedi, who police believe acted alone, killed 22 and injured at least 59 more when he detonated an improvised bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena, central Manchester, last night, where pop star Ariana Grande was performing.

Abedi died in the attack.

US media outlets CBS and NBC had identified the attacker as Abedi earlier today, but Associated Press confirmed the name shortly before 16:30 local time, citing US officials.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the government "would not comment on leaks" when quizzed on the US reports by British journalists in a parliamentary briefing shortly before 16:00.

Prime Minister Theresa May said in a speech earlier today that police and security services knew the identity of the attacker but would not name him at the time in order to protect the interests of the investigation.

We are awaiting an official statement from the Greater Manchester Police.

Three people including an unidentified 23-year-old man have also been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the attack. Armed police officers raided two addresses near the Chorlton area of Manchester around lunchtime, The Guardian reports.

This is a developing story...

The suspect's identity came after a day of raids and arrests by Manchester police. Read Full Story