Investigation into 1996 IRA bombing offically closed
Counter Terrorism Policing North West said the decision follows a review launched after the bombing's 20th anniversary
The investigation into the 1996 Manchester bombing is no longer active after detectives exhausted all remaining lines of enquiry nearly 30 years after the attack.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West said the decision follows a review launched after the bombing's 20th anniversary, which identified a small number of new investigative opportunities.
Detectives have now completed those enquiries and said the case will only be reopened if new evidence or information comes to light.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) claimed responsibility for the bombing, which devastated Manchester city centre on 15th June 1996.
Review identified new opportunities
The investigation has been reviewed several times over the past three decades to assess whether advances in investigative techniques or new information could help identify those responsible.
Following the 20th anniversary of the attack, a further review was carried out which uncovered some limited new lines of enquiry.
As part of that work, one man was arrested at Birmingham Airport in September 2022.
He was interviewed and later released without charge.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West said a second man would have been arrested and interviewed, but he died before officers could take that step.
Investigation no longer active
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “The 1996 Manchester bombing was a significant event in the history of the city of Manchester and beyond. Many of us can tell you exactly where we were and what we were doing when the bomb exploded.
“The impact of the explosion was so large that the city centre architecture physically changed forever. It is close to a miracle that nobody was killed during the incident, however hundreds of people were physically injured and many more were also profoundly impacted by what happened on that day.
“It is for that reason, we have been committed to establishing the full picture behind what happened and have continued to review this case, despite the passage of time since.
“Following the 20th anniversary, we took the decision to conduct a review of the original investigation and all the available evidence. This identified some new, albeit limited, investigative opportunities.
“A case of this significance, coupled with the amount of time that has passed, brings complexities so pursuing limited investigative opportunities such as these takes time. We arrested and interviewed one suspect in 2022 before releasing him without charge. A second man would have been arrested and interviewed; however he died whilst preparations were underway to arrest him.
“Those limited investigative opportunities have now been exhausted and the investigation is no longer active. Should any further evidence or information come to light about new or existing suspects then we are prepared to review this position again.”
Attack changed Manchester forever
The bomb exploded in Manchester city centre in June 1996, causing widespread destruction and reshaping large parts of the city centre.
Although nobody was killed, hundreds of people were injured and many others were affected by the events of that day.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West said Greater Manchester Police remained committed to pursuing every available line of enquiry over the years, but investigators have now exhausted all realistic opportunities based on the evidence available.
The force said it remains prepared to review the case if any new evidence emerges in the future.