Relatives of 22 people murdered in Manchester Arena bombing fall silent

Loved ones of the 22 people murdered at the Manchester Arena bombing have stood in silent remembrance at the opening of the public inquiry into the terror attack.

The sombre start to proceedings began with Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22, 2017.

Families, lawyers and chairman of the inquiry Sir John Saunders, a retired High Court judge, stood with heads bowed for the minute’s silence.

Sir John then formally opened the Manchester Arena Inquiry, being held in a converted courtroom at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, to investigate events before, during and after the attack.

Families, lawyers and chairman of the inquiry Sir John Saunders (pictured) a retired High Court judge, stood with heads bowed for the minute's silence

Families, lawyers and chairman of the inquiry Sir John Saunders (right) a retired High Court judge, stood with heads bowed for the minute’s silence as Paul Greaney QC (left), counsel to the inquiry, read the names of each of those murdered

Loved ones of the 22 people (some pictured) murdered at the Manchester Arena bombing have stood in silent remembrance at the opening of the public inquiry into the terror attack

Loved ones of the 22 people (some pictured) murdered at the Manchester Arena bombing have stood in silent remembrance at the opening of the public inquiry into the terror attack

Sir John said: 'Salman Abedi (pictured) blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.'

A CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb

Sir John said: ‘Salman Abedi (left) blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.’ Right: A CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb

The names of the 22 victims were read aloud: Elaine McIver, 43, Saffie Roussos, eight, Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Eilidh MacLeod, 14, Nell Jones, 14, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, Megan Hurley, 15, Georgina Callander, 18, Chloe Rutherford,17, Liam Curry, 19, Courtney Boyle, 19, Philip Tron, 32, John Atkinson, 26, Martyn Hett, 29, Kelly Brewster, 32, Angelika Klis, 39, Marcin Klis, 42, Michelle Kiss, 45, Alison Howe, 45, Lisa Lees, 43, Wendy Fawell, 50 and Jane Tweddle, 51.

The inquiry is scheduled to run into spring.

Formally opening the Manchester Arena inquiry, chairman Sir John said: ‘This is an exercise in establishing the truth.

The sombre start to proceedings began with Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered (some victims pictured) by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22, 2017

The sombre start to proceedings began with Paul Greaney QC, counsel to the inquiry, reading the names of each of those murdered (some victims pictured) by suicide bomber Salman Abedi on May 22, 2017

Sir John Saunders, Chair of the Inquiry and Sophie Cartwright, Deputy Council, arrive at Manchester Magistrates Court today

Sir John Saunders, Chair of the Inquiry and Sophie Cartwright, Deputy Council, arrive at Manchester Magistrates Court today

A view inside the room where the Manchester Arena Inquiry will be held, at Manchester Magistrates Court

A view inside the room where the Manchester Arena Inquiry will be held, at Manchester Magistrates Court

‘If I conclude thing went wrong then I shall say so but we are not looking for scapegoats. We are searching for the truth.

‘The explosion killed 22 people, including children. The youngest was eight years old.

‘Salman Abedi blew himself up in the explosion but he intended as many people as possible would die with him.’

Sir John said some evidence must be heard in secret to prevent further similar terrorist attacks.

He said the role of the security services and what was known about Salman Abedi and the response of the emergency services will also be considered.